ESTRO 2024 - Abstract Book

S5742

RTT - Education, training, advanced practice and role developments

ESTRO 2024

155

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Assessing the CPD educational needs for Radiation Therapists in Belgium: a qualitative evaluation

Filipa Sousa 1,2 , José G Couto 3 , Dylan Callens 4,5 , Dirk Van Gestel 1

1 Institut Jules Bordet, Radiation Oncology, Brussels, Belgium. 2 Inholland University of Applied Sciences, School of Health, Haarlem, Netherlands. 3 University of Malta, Radiography, Msida, Malta. 4 UZ Leuven, Radiation Oncology, Leuven, Belgium. 5 KU Leuven, Laboratory of Experimental Radiotherapy, Leuven, Belgium

Purpose/Objective:

Assessment of educational needs is pivotal in continuous professional development (CPD). In Radiotherapy (RT), Radiation therapists (RTTs) have witnessed noteworthy advancements in technology and professional practices, leading to a surge in demands. This study aims to assess current CPD educational needs for Belgian RTTs and provide recommendations.

Material/Methods:

Two surveys were distributed to two different populations (RTTs and other stakeholders) in order to assess the CPD educational needs of Belgian RTTs. The open-ended questions were thematically analysed. The first and third authors extensively read and open-coded the answers given. The final thematic framework combined answers from both surveys and was achieved through consensus between these two authors. In the RTT’s survey, RTTs identified their perceptions about their own CPD needs, whereas in the other stakeholders survey, non-RTT stakeholders identified their perceptions about the RTTs’ CPD needs. The resulting themes and sub-themes were then discussed with the rest of the research team (peer debriefing) to improve trustworthiness.

Results:

The total number of responses was 165 and 112 in the RTT’s and stakeholders’ surveys, respectively. Each theme and sub-theme, with participants’ quotes to support the authors’ conclusions is detailed in Table 1.