ESTRO 2024 - Abstract Book

S5754

RTT - Education, training, advanced practice and role developments

ESTRO 2024

The thematic framework is presented in Table 1. Portuguese RTTs are proficient in many DS (e.g. Record and Verification) but need additional education in some specific areas (e.g., research digital tools). Factors affecting DS development were divided into general (e.g. fast technological evolution), individual (e.g. resistance to change), educational (e.g. short/lack of radiotherapy placements), and occupational (e.g. departmental culture). Challenges were identified in both current (e.g. image matching and analysis) and emerging areas (e.g. Artificial Intelligence). Stakeholders stated that RTTs must be proficient in digital tools across all scope of RT practice – from imaging and planning to research and management. Various strategies were highlighted to integrate more DS across all levels of the RTT’s educational journey; they also suggested a reform of RTTs’ education in Portugal. Finally, stakeholders mentioned concerns about the technological evolution and how it will affect RTTs’ roles (see Table 1).

Table 1 – Thematic Framework

Themes

Sub-themes

Proficient DS

•

Proficiency level of RTTs digital skills

Underdeveloped DS

•

General

• • • •

Individual

Factors influencing the proficiency level

Educational Occupational

Current areas Emerging areas

• •

Challenging areas in DS

RT Planning Image

•

RT Treatment Planning

• •

RT Treatment administration

• Quality assurance, safety and risk management • Management and research • Technology and information systems • Programming • Digital-related critical understanding • Changes to the current undergraduated programme • Reforms to RTT's education structure • CPD review • Stage at which DS should be developed

Essential DS for practice

Strategies to integrate DS into RTTs education/training

Fear of not having the required DS Fear of replacement and loss of skills

• • • • • •

Loss of control

Concerns related to technological evolution

Deficit in critical thinking Losing human contact

Skills shift to other professionals