ESTRO 2024 - Abstract Book

S5830

RTT - Education, training, advanced practice and role developments

ESTRO 2024

research facility, ensuring consistent and standardized imaging protocols, which directly impacts on the quality and reproducibility of radiomic features extracted from different kinds of medical images. While their involvement in image analysis research groups can be valuable, there are certain limitations that can impede their full participation. These limitations primarily arise from factors such as core curriculum training, limited time and resources, and outdated technological infrastructure in peripheral centers.

Conclusion:

Drawing from our experience, we hypothesize that RTTs may assume a pivotal role in radiomic research projects by receiving medical images from medical specialists and processing them through quality control, segmentation, and feature extraction. Subsequently, these data are provided to medical imaging scientists for further analysis, as illustrated in Figure 2. In this context, our study aims to shed light on how RTTs may bridge the gap between clinical expertise and technical image analysis, ultimately enhancing the success of radiomics research projects.

In the future, it will be necessary to evaluate and investigate the extent of European RTT involvement in radiomics projects, assess their perceptions, and identify potential barriers and opportunities for increased participation.

Figure 2. On the left, the steps (highlighted in green) within the radiomics project workflow where RTTs can participate, leveraging the skills acquired during their core education; the phases marked in orange represent opportunities for the RTTs participation, contingent upon completing additional training and a period of tutoring with medical imaging scientists. While on the right, a graphic representation of the role RTTs can play in the radiomic workflow.

Keywords: RTT, Radiomics, Artificial intelligence

References:

[1] ESTRO - European Higher Education Area Level 6 - Benchmarking Document for Radiation Therapists.

[2] EFRS - European Qualifications Framework (EQF) Level 6 Benchmarking Document: Radiographers.