ESTRO 2024 - Abstract Book

S2744

Interdisciplinary - Global health

ESTRO 2024

Stage 1: The NAMP executive committee formed a Certification Board consisting of internationally certified NAMP members charged with creating and overseeing policy, processes and standards for NAMP certification, under the guidance of the ACPSEM education expert. Stage 2: A national survey to determine the current status of the Nigerian Medical Physics workforce, equipment and treatment techniques was conducted via email, with personalized site-visits from members of the NAMP Certification Board to improve survey compliance. Stage 3: The ACPSEM curriculum and assessment model, and IAEA training program recommendations were modified by the ACPSEM expert and reviewed by members of the NAMP Certification Board to determine a suitable Nigerian program for both online/e-learning and for practical, competency-based training and assessment. Stage 4: The ACPSEM LMS was copied and adapted to suit the NAMP program. Online resources were packaged into different courses according to key areas of learning. Training, education and assessment evidence portfolios were created for individual users. Online examination using robust standardized assessment methods and externally reviewed question-banks were created to reduce the burden on local assessors. Stage 5: Large-scale training courses, such as those provided by the Rayos Contra Cancer, IAEA, IOMP, IPEM, AAPM, Vendors, etc., will be considered for where they can best be utilized within the curriculum and how assessment of learning through these courses can be incorporated. Stage 6: The NAMP Examiner Panel will act as an independent external body to review and examine individual applications for NAMP certification via an “experienced” pathway (for those candidates considered beyond the level of ‘resident’). Stage 7; The first local NAMP residents in the training program will commence and be assigned to a clinical department and clinical supervisor (a NAMP certified Medical Physicist) for their formal training period. It is expected that the resident training will be undertaken over a period of 2-3 years to enable education and assessment over all key areas of learning within the curriculum. Stage 8: After the program has been running for several years an evaluation and revision of curriculum content, training resources and assessment methodologies will occur. Feedback from participants, graduates, supervisors, examiners and external stakeholders will be gathered to determine the programs’ effectiveness and whether the standards set for graduates is appropriate. This feedback will be used to make quality improvement changes to all areas of the program. Stage 9: After a successful initiation with the NAMP, this model of custom curriculum development, online learning management system creation and support to create a self-sustaining TEAP certification program will be rolled out simultaneously to many interested LMICs.

Results:

Stages 1 through 3 have been completed with Stage 4 underway as of October 2023. It is expected that Stages 5 through 7 will be completed by October 2024. Engagement of the NAMP community has been extremely high and all members are focused on improving and ensuring the minimum standard of competence in the country is reached by all Nigerian medical physicists.

Conclusion: