Managing Radiation Therapy Treatment Delivery Challenges: Impact of an Interprofessional Educational Series for Radiation Therapists and Radiation Oncology Residents

Radiation oncology residents report varying confidence with on-treatment setup challenges (J Cancer Educ Off J Am Assoc Cancer Educ 36(2):278-283 (2021)). Radiation therapy technologist (RTT) training is variable across institutions (Tech Innov Patient Support Radiat Oncol 24:59-62 (2022)). This study assesses the impact of an interprofessional educational course on RTT and radiation oncology resident knowledge and comfort with managing radiation therapy (RT) treatment challenges. An interprofessional course on managing RT treatment challenges was offered to radiation oncology residents, RTTs, and other team members. Each site-specific session was given by an expert radiation oncology attending with in-person and virtual attendees. Anonymous pre- and post-tests were collected via QR code. Pretests assessed demographics, knowledge (2 multiple choice questions), and comfort (Likert-type Scale, 1-5) with the material. Post-tests also assessed utility and potential implementation. Statistical tests compared pre- vs. post-tests. Nine one-hour sessions were conducted over one year. Respondents were mostly radiation oncology residents/attendings (47.5%) and RTTs (46.3%). 175 pretests and 156 post-tests were fully completed. Overall, 208/353 (58.9%) responses were correct pre-test and 221/313 (70.6%) post-test (p = 0.002). Comfort improved from 101 (56.8%) reporting strong agreement or agreement pre-test to 131 (83.4%) post-test. Median comfort scores improved from 4 (IQR 3-4) to 4 (IQR 4-5), p < 0.001. Respondents strongly agreed that the sessions were useful (median 5, IQR 5-5) and applicable to future practice (median 5, IQR 5-5). 118 respondents had paired pre- and post-tests, with significant improvement in knowledge (p = 0.004) and comfort (p < 0.0001). Attendees of our interprofessional education course demonstrated significant improvement in knowledge and comfort with the material. Similar educational efforts could be useful for a broader radiation oncology audience.