ESTRO 2024 - Abstract Book

S5838

RTT - Education, training, advanced practice and role developments

ESTRO 2024

Vieira, D. C. A., & Estender, A. C. (2016). Gestão de pessoas e motivação organizacional [People management and organizational motivation]. Revista de Administração do UNISAL, 6(10), 53–73. Retrieved from http://www.revista.unisal.br/sj/index.php/RevAdministracao/article/view/551

2556

Poster Discussion

Radiation Therapist-led SABR IGRT: Bridging the care gap

Kenton Thompson

Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Radiation Therapy Services, Melbourne, Australia

Purpose/Objective:

Stereotactic Ablative Body Radiotherapy (SABR) adoption continues to increase and is no longer reserved solely for large centres. A high degree of accuracy is required for SABR due to the high dose per fraction and proximity of critical structures. In many departments a radiation oncologist (RO) is required to be present for each fraction to assist with and confirm the match for SABR treatments. Radiation Therapist (RTT)-led SABR image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) can help reduce the time burden on the RO and increase patient workflow efficiency. Organisations are at different stages of implementing RTT-led SABR IGRT. In order to credential for the specific scope of RTT led SABR IGRT, additional training, experience and ongoing proficiency all need to be considered taking into account service provision and organisation capabilities. The objective of this study was to review RTT led SABR IGRT credentialling at a large Australian radiation therapy provider including surveying radiation therapists on their perspectives of RTT-led SABR IGRT. An RTT-led SABR IGRT protocol was developed and education and credentialling content created by content experts before commencement of a pilot for lung SABR in January 2020. The education and credentialling was refined based on feedback from pilot participants and rolled out clinically for lung, spine and bone SABR. Credentialling completion was impacted by rostering (COVID-19), “onerous” credentialling requirements and complex eligibility criteria. Following review, changes were made in March 2022 to streamline credentialling by focussing on what needs to be assessed i.e., application of protocol with appropriate decision making and escalation when required. The eligibility criteria was simplified at the same time to enable safe RTT-led SABR IGRT for more patients. A descriptive study of RTT perspectives was conducted. An online structured survey comprising 25 questions was provided via email. The survey was pilot tested by a team of four RTTs to assess ease of use and approximate duration of completion (around 5 minutes). The questionnaire sought participant demographic data, alongside perspectives on four areas relating to RTT-led SABR IGRT including RTT role, complexity of SABR IGRT, benefits of RTT-led SABR IGRT and credentialling requirements. A 4-point Likert scale was used with free text for providing clarification for responses and further comments on implementation. Material/Methods: