ESTRO 2023 - Abstract Book

S2062

Digital Posters

ESTRO 2023

Conclusion This evaluation demonstrated the role of the RTT AP is valued to be a positive asset to patients in their pathway, at all- time points. There was evidence of simple improvements that could be made to the service. Patient leaflets could be discussed with patients to highlight contact details of whom to call with treatment queries. The RTT AP details could also be included in the patient leaflets as they may misplace the RTT AP business card given to them at time of consent. Improvements based on patients’ comments will be acted on, and further audited using the same questionnaire. Nonetheless, overall, this evaluation has demonstrated that patients valued the role of the RTT AP and highlights the unique support that RTTs can provide to patients during radiotherapy.

PO-2293 First workplace integration of beginner RTTs: The importance of soft-skills training programs

Z. Naimi 1 , O. Mdimagh 2 , M. El Bessi 1 , M. Bohli 1 , R. Ben Amor 1 , A. Hamdoun 1 , R. Haddad 1 , L. Kochbati 1

1 Abderrahmen Mami Hospital, Radiation Oncology Department, Ariana, Tunisia; 2 Institute of Health Sciences and Techniques of Tunis, Radiotherapy and Medical Imaging Department, Tunis, Tunisia Purpose or Objective This study aimed to assess hardships experienced by beginner RTTs at their first workplace and to analyse the coping strategies used to face these challenges. Materials and Methods Data were collected by a self-reported questionnaire delivered to RTTs working in four Departments of Radiation Oncology in Tunis, Tunisia. The questionnaire included 27 items: 15 items to evaluate emotional, social and technical difficulties faced by beginner RTTs at their first workplace and 12 items to assess the coping strategies and their efficiency to face these difficulties. Results A total of 30 RTTs completed the questionnaire with a sex ratio of 0.2. Sixty-eight percent of the participants worked in a public Department of Radiation Oncology. Eighty percent of the surveyed RTTs faced integration difficulties at their first workplace. These hardships were mainly emotional (86% of cases) with high level of stress and anxiety and inadequate emotional attachment to cancer patients. Sixty-two percent of study participants reported communication difficulties with both patients (59%) and RT team members (72%). Technical hardships were reported by 67% of RTTs. The hardest task for beginner RTTs was matching images at the treatment station (73%). The mean required period of adaptation according to RTTs was 3 months, ranging between 2 weeks and one year. Mentoring programs and strong collaboration with experienced RTTs were considered helpful to face technical difficulties by 96% of study participants. All surveyed RTTs considered that soft skills training programs are necessary to help beginner RTTs develop communication skills, team working and conflict- resolution and to enable an efficient integration at workplace. Nonetheless, only 25% of the surveyed RTTs attended similar training programs. Conclusion These findings underscore the importance of soft skills training and mentorship programs to enable efficient integration and professional development of beginner RTTs. Further effort is needed to prepare these programs and enlarge their access to oncology healthcare professionals.