ESTRO 2024 - Abstract Book

S2693

Interdisciplinary - Education in radiation therapy

ESTRO 2024

Clinical research is the cornerstone of improving patient care and clinical efficiency. Health care providers engaging in research demonstrate higher quality of care and better patient outcomes compared to non-research active providers (1). Initiatives across the UK aim to strengthen and promote clinical research amongst healthcare professionals. The Cancer Research Strategy in Wales (2022) identifies the need to improve delivery and accessibility of cancer research and acknowledges that clinical teams are key to this (2). High quality research requires an empowered, research active workforce. Our objective is to establish a baseline for radiotherapy (RT) research in Wales, identifying current challenges and opportunities. In recent years, the number of UK academic consultant clinical oncologists has declined and promotion of research amongst the trainee cohort has the potential to reshape the future of the specialty (3). In Wales, it has never been more important to inspire the next generation of researchers with an increase in the number of clinical oncology training posts (4). Many trainees state that they are likely to remain in the same area to work as consultants (5). Improving RT research within the training program could be influential in creating a strong research landscape in Wales.

Material/Methods:

A ‘Google Form’ survey was distributed to members of the multi-disciplinary teams in oncology to determine the state of RT research in Wales (n=104). Responses included clinical oncologists (n=18) and clinical oncology trainees (n=13). Responses were analysed in ‘Microsoft Excel’. Following this analysis, research active clinical oncology consultants (n=13) and trainees (n=11) were sent a further survey to rank RT research activities and outputs as basic (expected for all oncology trainees by the end of training) to higher level (only for those interested in an academic research career).

Results:

100% of clinical oncologists and trainees report medium-high interest in clinical trials. 94% (17/18) of consultants and 92% (12/13) of trainees report this for personal engagement in trial development, whereas medium-high interest was 78% (14/18) and 77% (10/13) respectively for basic science approach.

Despite this, only 69% (9/13) of trainees have plans to undertake or support RT research as consultants. Trainees state there is no active promotion of RT research during training.

Out of program experiences (OOPE) have a demonstrable impact on trainees’ plans to be involved in research. 15% (2/13) of trainees have been involved in original research and did so as part of their OOPE.

67% (12/18) of Clinical Oncologists agree that their own training promoted research, crediting their fellowships, OOPE or higher degrees. 44% (8/18) of consultants hold a higher degree, with 63% (5/8) of these in a RT related subject. A clear theme for clinical oncologists is lack of time. 61% (11/18) of consultants do not have any sessions dedicated to RT research. 11% (2/18) hold an academic position, of the remaining respondents 13% (2/16) have protected time for academia and 25% (4/16) have research and development time in their job plan. The main barriers to research for clinical oncologists and trainees are high clinical workload, the length of time trials take to open and infrastructure. Solutions include a clear pathway to research, greater collaboration between consultants and senior trainees, adequate funding and investment in the workforce.