ESTRO 2021 Abstract Book

S633

ESTRO 2021

investigated alongside efficacy and outcomes. This paper presents the development of a specifically designed validated questionnaire and a first report of international multi-institutional preliminary patient experience of MRI-guided adaptive radiotherapy (MRgART) on the 1.5 T MR-Linac (MRL). Materials and Methods A patient experience questionnaire was developed and validated before being distributed to the Elekta MRL Consortium, to gather first patient-reported experience from participating centres worldwide. The final version of the questionnaire contains 18 questions covering a range of themes and was scored on a Likert scale of 0-3. Responses were post-processed so that a score of 0 represents a negative response and 3 represents the most favourable response. These results were analysed for patient-reported experience of treatment on the MRL. Results were also analysed for internal consistency of the questionnaire using Chronbach’s Alpha and the questionnaire contents were validated for relevance using content validity indexes (CVI). Results 170 responses were received from six centres, representing patients with a wide range of tumour treatment sites from five different countries. MRgART was well tolerated with an 84% favourable response across all questions and respondents. When analysed by theme, all reported the highest percentage of results in the favourable categories (2 and 3). Internal consistency in the questionnaire was high (Cronbach’s α =0.8) and the item-level CVI for each question was 0.78 or above and the Scale-level CVI was 0.93, representing relevant content. Conclusion The developed questionnaire has been validated as relevant and appropriate for use in reporting experience of patients undergoing treatment on the MRL. The overall patient-reported experience and satisfaction from multiple centres within the Elekta MRL Consortium was consistently high. These results can reinforce user confidence in continuing to expand and develop MRL use in adaptive radiotherapy. Purpose or Objective Many patients undergoing radiation therapy have pre-existing cardiovascular conditions requiring the use of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs), such as pacemakers and cardioverter-defibrillators. Patients with these devices are being encountered at a higher frequency as the population is aging and life expectancy is increasing. Radiation has historically been known to have potentially damaging effects on CIEDs, though technology has advanced and this risk is believed to be decreasing. There is a wide variation in practice and clinical knowledge for radiation therapists (RTs) and nurses involved in caring for patients with CIEDs undergoing radiation therapy and care for these patients is often not part of standard training for new staff. There is also conflicting guidance on the care of these patients despite the advancement of radiation therapy technologies. This can lead to confusion for clinical staff regarding the proper care of these patients. The cardiologist may determine that patients with CIEDs require the use of a magnet during treatment, which carries a risk if this magnet is placed by clinical staff that are unfamiliar with the magnet’s purpose or what to do in the event of a cardiac emergency while the magnet is in place. This can lead to patient safety concerns, the potential for critical errors and decreased provider confidence in caring for this population. Materials and Methods Preliminary assessment included direct clinical observation and surveying RTs and nursing staff. Educational opportunities were identified, including cardiac anatomy/physiology, pacemaker interrogation, use of the magnet during treatment and potential arrhythmias and emergency situations in the event of CIED compromise. Leadership from both Radiation Oncology and the electrophysiology clinic collaborated to create an intensive multidisciplinary educational intervention. Outcome data to determine effectiveness of the intervention included improved knowledge and skill acquisition among RTs and nurses, improved comfort level in caring for patients with CIEDs and more consistency in clinic practice. Results All measures obtained from the pre- and post-intervention survey showed significant improvement after the intervention. The greatest improvement seen was the understanding of the use of magnets for CIEDs during radiation. PD-0799 Radiation therapy and implanted cardiac devices: education for radiation therapists and nurses K. Kafka-Peterson 1 , E. Cavcic 1 , H. Hernandez 1 1 University of California Los Angeles, Radiation Oncology, Los Angeles, USA