ESTRO 2024 - Abstract Book

S5762

RTT - Education, training, advanced practice and role developments

ESTRO 2024

Material/Methods:

A mixed methods study was conducted using quantitative and qualitative data using the following methods:

1. A systematic review of the literature was conducted. 2. A questionnaire was designed and distributed to individual advanced and consultant practice radiographers across the NHSE WT&E SE region. Results were analysed and descriptive statistics were generated using Microsoft Excel™ and Microsoft SPSS™. 3. A questionnaire was designed and distributed to service managers working at organisations across the NHSE WT&E SE region. Results were analysed and descriptive statistics were generated using Microsoft Excel™ and Microsoft SPSS™. 4. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with advanced and consultant practitioner radiographer volunteers who completed the practitioner questionnaire. Full verbatim was independently transcribed and analysed thematically using NVivo v1.5.2™. 5. Participants were asked to provide plaudits from patients with direct reference to advanced and consultant practice radiographers who have been involved in their care and treatment which were analysed thematically. 6. All data analysis was peer reviewed by a multi-professional team.

Results:

The response rate from Radiation Oncology departments was high with 15 responses to the practitioner questionnaire and 5 responses to the service lead questionnaire.

• There are 28 established advanced and consultant practice radiographer posts in Radiation Oncology in the region with 12 new posts in set up.

• Around half the respondents held full MSc’s with variable educational and training backgrounds. 36% of the services require Advanced Practice Accreditation.

• Examples of impact on services: Prompt discharge, streamlined services, improved continuity of care and access to care, enhanced MDT working, professional benefits to Radiography: career progression and education.

• Examples of cost savings associated with roles: refining radiotherapy techniques and training others to deliver particular aspects of the service to improve capacity and efficiency, reduction in treatment waiting times.

Conclusion:

This project show cases Advanced and Consultant Practice Radiographers and aids workforce leads and service managers in their decision-making when creating workforce plans. 12 organisational, regional and national recommendations have been generated by this report to allow improved uptake of these roles and robust governance that will safeguard and raise the professional profile of the workforce.

Keywords: Service, Impact, Practitioner