ESTRO 2024 - Abstract Book

S5785

RTT - Education, training, advanced practice and role developments

ESTRO 2024

A survey was developed in accordance with the Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E-Surveys (CHERRIES), containing two sections on: 1) skills, knowledge and opinion on research and development (15 questions); 2) demographic (12 questions). The research questions were created by 2 RTTs, and 4 RTTs scored their preferred questions to include. In cases where scoring differed a 5th RTT reviewed the questions. Once the questions were developed the questionnaire was validated internally and externally by 3 RTTs and 1 physicist. Internal approval was obtained to conduct the survey. A Google Forms questionnaire was circulated to RTTs via email between March and April 2023. Four hybrid, online, and in-person, sessions explaining the aim of it were hosted. Email reminders were sent on 3 occasions. The questionnaire results were collated on a password-protected Excel spreadsheet. Data analysis of the results were undertaken using descriptive statistics followed by correlation tests between variables using chi2 (statistical significance p-value<0.05).

Our results were disseminated to all RTTs at the monthly peers’ meetings tailored to each banding level and allowing for appropriate discussions.

Results:

Sixty-three (45%) responses were received from a total of 140 RTTs. Our service includes a PBT department, a radiotherapy department with brachytherapy, MRT, and superficial RT facilities. Forty-two RTTs (65%) were rotated in the PBT, followed by 19 (35%) in RT. Our results are summarised in Table 1. RTTs at our institution have had some involvement in research activities such as audits (79%), service evaluation (56%) or clinical trials (43%). Eighty-nine percent of the staff who do not have research incorporated into their role identified that they would like to do research. There was no statistical difference between involvement in research and gender (p=0.4). There was a statistical difference between the involvement of RTTs in research and different ethnicity groups(p=0.02), demonstrating that at our centre non-white British or Irish have higher involvement in R&D. Our results also demonstrate that senior RTTs are more actively involved in research than junior RTTs(p<0.01).

The main barriers identified were time (44%), not being aware of research projects (38%) or having research ideas (33%).

Table 1. R&D questionnaire results Research and development past experience

Yes

No

Not answered

1. Have you been involved in audits or service evaluations since qualifying? 2. Have you been involved in service development work since qualifying?

79% 56% 32% 43%

19% 43% 67% 56%

2% 2% 2% 2%

3. Have you been involved in research since qualifying? 4. Have you been involved in trials since qualifying?

Research and development current experience and motivation 13. Are you involved in research in your current role?

Yes

No

Not answered

30% 41% 89%

68%

2%

13b. If yes, do you want to continue to be involved in research in the future? 13c. If not, would you like the opportunity to be involved in research in the future?

3% 8%

56%

0%

Three main reasons identified by RTTs to be involved in research Improve patient care

61% 56% 33%

Professional development

To develop evidence-based practice