ESTRO 2024 - Abstract Book

S2694

Interdisciplinary - Education in radiation therapy

ESTRO 2024

RT research outputs were ranked by consultants and trainees, leading to a list of research activities ranging from mandatory for all trainees by the end of training (e.g. GCP and attending conferences) to optional for those interested in a research career (e.g. setting up research project and doing a higher degree). Interventions to increase awareness and exposure to research such as local mentorship, online resources hosted locally, involvement in BONUS and NIHR associate PI schemes are currently being implemented (6,7).

Limitations of this study include the possibility of response bias with those already interested in research and a small sample size.

Conclusion:

Our survey shows that the clinical oncology workforce in Wales is highly interested in RT research, but there are significant challenges for these individuals. Some themes identified require time and systemic changes including investment in workforce and infrastructure to enable development of research. However, we propose recommendations that are achievable to improve the state of RT research in Wales, by focusing on trainees. This includes a roadmap of RT research activities and outputs from mandatory to increasingly optional for trainees interested in research. This can serve as a guide to trainees and the training program to increase the accessibility of and engagement in RT research. We plan to repeat the survey to assess the impact of the interventions.

Keywords: Research, Barriers, Trainees

References:

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5. Casswell, G., Shakir, R., Macnair, A., O’Leary, B., Smith, F., Rulach, R., Bowden, C. UK Training in Clinical Oncology: The Trainees’ Viewpoint. Clinical Oncology. 2018 Jul 05; 30(10): 602-4. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clon.2018.06.009

6. British Oncology Network for Undergraduate Societies (BONUS) [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2023 Oct 24]. Available from: https://www.bonus-oncology.co.uk/

7. National Institute for Health and Care Research. Associate Principal Investigator (PI) Scheme [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2023 Oct 24]. Available from: https://www.nihr.ac.uk/health-and-care-professionals/career development/associate-principal-investigator-scheme.htm