ESTRO 2024 - Abstract Book

S5834

RTT - Education, training, advanced practice and role developments

ESTRO 2024

Purpose/Objective:

Technological advances have undoubtedly improved treatment but patient engagement is crucial. Patient education requires consistent communication within the Interdisciplinary team (IDT) placing patients at the center. This study assessed radiation therapists (RTTs) knowledge of the patient care, side effect management and resources provided by the rest of the IDT to radiotherapy patients. It also aims to highlight patient inquires related to treatment management.

Material/Methods:

In May 2023, an anonymous questionnaire was distributed to all the RTTs at the University Hospital of Zürich (USZ); this amounted to 23 RTTs. The questionnaire consisted of eight open questions relating to the following topics: Skin care, holistic support, nutrition, and bowel / bladder preparation. Results were classified into four categories: 1. Understanding of hospital guidance: Response displayed a clear and specific understanding 2. Partial understanding of hospital guidance: Response displayed some knowledge but lacked specific detail 3. Understanding of non-protocol guidance: Response referred to unofficial guidance 4. No understanding of hospital guidance: A statement that indicates the individual is not aware of the guidance To evaluate gaps in patient knowledge, two additional questions focused on patient understanding and common inquires. Following the data collection, a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) session for the RTTs was conducted, focusing on the areas identified in the questionnaire. In addition, resources utilized in outpatients’ clinic were made available in the radiotherapy waiting room and on the hospital intranet. In September 2023, subsequent to these actions, the questionnaire was distributed to the same RTTs and results were evaluated.

Results:

In May 2023, 20 RTTs participated in the questionnaire. Responses to eight patient care questions revealed that, on average, 13% understood hospital guidance, 28% had partial understanding, 11% understood non-protocol guidance, and 48% had no understanding of hospital guidance. The prevalent themes from patient questions and misunderstanding were; side effect management, creams, appointments and diet. In September 2023, 19 RTTs participated in the questionnaire. Responses to the eight patient care questions revealed that, on average, 89% understood hospital guidance, 7% had partial understanding, 4% understood non-protocol guidance, and 0% had no understanding of hospital guidance. The average understanding of guidance significantly increased from 13% to 89% between May 2023 and September 2023. Specifically on the topic of bowel and bladder preparation, the percentage of RTTs who understood non-protocol guidance dropped from 57% in May 2023 to 0% in September 2023.

Conclusion:

The findings of this project have shed light on the need to focus on interdisciplinary education in order for seamless and consistent communication, for the benefit of patients. Although it is important for RTTs to keep within their scope of practice, they are prevalent throughout a patient’ treatment journey and are faced with patient inquires related to managing treatment daily. Highlighting this topic in the department has also led to IDT discussion and the revision of some processes. Consistent patient education throughout the whole IDT can be facilitated by regular CPD sessions,