ESTRO 2025 - Abstract Book

S4250

RTT - Education, training, advanced practice and role developments

ESTRO 2025

References: 1. World Health Organisation (2023) Cancer factsheet, World Health Organization. Available at: https://www.afro.who.int/health-topics/cancer (Accessed: 04 March 2024). 2. Kazmierska, J., Sala, N. J., Leech, M., Jereczek-Fossa, B. A., Lievens, Y., & Yarnold, J. (2018). Radiotherapy: Seizing the opportunity in cancer care. Marie Curie Legacy, 1-16. 3. Yap, M.L., Zubizarreta, E., Bray, F., Ferlay, J. and Barton, M., 2016. Global access to radiotherapy services: have we made progress during the past decade?. Journal of global oncology, 2(4), pp.207-215. 4. Reeves, K., 2022. Times are tight: staff shortages prompt new strategies. Applied Radiology, 51(4), pp.27-30.

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Proffered Paper Avoiding a Crisis: A National Review of Implementing the Role of Advanced Practice Radiation Therapists in Ireland Laura Barry 1 , Melanie Clarkson 2 , Erica Bennett 1 1 Bon Secours Radiotherapy Cork, Bon secours Radiotherapy cork in Partnership with UPMC Hillman cancer Centre, Cork, Ireland. 2 Radiotherapy and Oncology, Sheffield hallam University, Sheffield, United Kingdom Purpose/Objective: Advanced practice (AP) is not a new concept across the healthcare professions in Ireland. However, there is limited clinical career progression within Radiotherapy (RT) in Ireland. The catalyst for other jurisdictions, across the world, implementing AP roles into radiotherapy is the same impetus for change in Ireland today: an ageing population, new technology, recruitment, retention, task shifting and optimising patient-centric care 1 Aims This national study aims to: 1. Identify the perceived barriers and enablers among key decision-makers within RT in Ireland regarding AP role implementation. 2. Develop recommendations for a national AP framework specific to RT. Material/Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 10 key senior stakeholders working in academia, radiotherapy service management, radiation oncology, or radiotherapy regulation in Ireland. Interview transcripts were coded and analysed independently by two researchers to validate findings. Key themes identified included: • Training/education • Professional development • Governance • Workplace culture Ethics approval and participant consent were obtained before the study commenced. Results: Participants from both public and private sectors recognised the potential of Advanced Practice Radiation Therapist (APRT) roles to address recruitment and retention challenges, enhance patient care, and optimise service efficiency. Key findings highlighted the need for funded education and frustration regarding the slow pace of implementation despite widespread clinical support. Although increasing service efficiencies and enhanced patient experience were noted as positive results of APRT, most participants outlined the positive impact on recruitment and retention as a key by-product of introducing this role. This is particularly poignant when RT attrition rates are at an all-time high, placing further pressure on the healthcare system, and resulting in increased patient waiting lists, machine closures, and staff burnout. Recommendations based on the findings include: