Identifying Canadian radiation therapy resources for Indigenous cultural safety: A national survey

Specific training and resources for radiation therapists (RTs) are critical to ensuring the provision of culturally safe care for Indigenous patients in Canada. Despite the importance of this area, comprehensive national data is lacking regarding the specific cultural safety training and resources available to Canadian RTs. This study aimed to investigate the current breadth and characteristics of training and resources available for Canadian RTs to deliver culturally safe and appropriate care to Indigenous patients.

An electronic survey was distributed to approximately 2000 certified, practicing RTs across Canada. The survey utilized a mixed-methods approach to gather quantitative data on demographics and resource availability, as well as qualitative data on participants' evaluations of existing resources and priorities for future education. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative responses were analyzed using thematic analysis.

A total of 103 RTs completed the survey, resulting in a 5.2% response rate. Of the 100 respondents who answered the resource section, 58% were aware of Indigenous-focused cultural competency resources at their workplace. Over half of these respondents (57%) indicated that such training was mandated, with online modules being the most common format for both mandated and non-mandated training. Qualitative findings indicated that while resources were considered relevant for providing historical insight (e.g., Truth and Reconciliation), they were deemed less relevant if they lacked specific application to radiation therapy or were not tailored to local Indigenous populations.

The study results indicate that while a variety of foundational training exists nationwide, there is a perceived lack of practical, RT-specific, and localized information necessary to translate learning into culturally safe clinical practice. This deficiency has driven a significant professional demand among RTs for explicit clinical guidance and experience-based educational opportunities that move beyond general awareness.

RTs across Canada utilize both mandatory and non-mandatory resources, most often online modules, to increase foundational historical and cultural knowledge. However, a significant gap remains in translating this general information into RT-specific clinical practice and addressing the unique needs of local Indigenous populations. Future resource development must be intentional, prioritizing practical, experience-based training that centers the cultural safety framework and is guided by local Indigenous communities.

Providing culturally safe care is important for improving healthcare experiences and outcomes for Indigenous patients. This study surveyed radiation therapists across Canada about the training and resources available to help them provide culturally safe care for Indigenous patients. This study found that many therapists had access to cultural awareness training, but often felt the resources lacked practical guidance specific to radiation therapy and local Indigenous communities. This matters because more relevant and experience-based education may help therapists provide care that better meets the needs of Indigenous patients and communities.