ESTRO 2025 - Abstract Book

S140

Invited Speaker

ESTRO 2025

often tend to work less work self-paced or self-determined which negatively impacts job satisfaction and motivation. Moving away from task-orientated roles to those involving a deep understanding of the roles and responsibilities necessitates adequate training to acquire the competencies and establish trust among the other professionals. Role models - and advanced practice roles often function as such – can serve to build this trust in individuals and the profession respectively. Additionally, according to self-determination theory, such an enhancement of autonomy, competence, and relatedness can boost job satisfaction and motivation. Subsequently, expanding RTT roles in the multidisciplinary teams, and respecting the profession's autonomy can support RTTs in becoming leaders and potentially creating a positive influence on the whole multi-professional team. By providing career structures that offer opportunities beyond traditional management roles and that align with the RTTs’ skill sets, we can avoid the pitfalls of the Peter principle. This approach can motivate RTTs to become experts in their fields, create additional scientific outcomes and act as leaders in multidisciplinary radiation oncology, researching and promoting their vision for improved and safer patient care.

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Speaker Abstracts Adapting to change: Elevating the RTT scope of practice Celeste Oliveira Radiotherapy, Instituto Português de Oncologia do Porto, Porto, Portugal

Abstract:

Radiation Therapists (RTTs) are pivotal in delivering high-quality radiotherapy (RT). As RT continues to evolve with artificial intelligence (AI)-driven workflows, predictive analytics, and interprofessional collaboration, the RTT scope of practice must expand and adapt to these changes. This evolution requires a proactive approach to integrating new competencies and capabilities into the RTT scope of practice to enhance treatment outcomes.

Key areas of focus to empower RTTs in their professional practice include:

• Advanced Technical Expertise: Adaptive radiotherapy (ART) requires deeper RTT involvement in treatment planning, real-time image assessment, and quality assurance. • Patient-Centered Care: Enhanced patient engagement strategies foster personalized care, effective communication, and a holistic approach to treatment. • Digital Proficiency: AI literacy, electronic health record management, and digital workflow optimization all contribute to improving treatment efficiency. By proactively embracing technological advancements, advocating for holistic care, and engaging in advanced practice (AP) roles, RTTs can redefine their value in the multiprofessional team. Some future AP roles are AI expert, holistic care lead, precision oncology expert, community lead, and clinical-academic mix role.

This session highlights the importance of RTTs evolving by mastering AI, personalizing treatments, fostering compassionate care, and further developing the irreplaceable human skills that define their practice.