ESTRO 2025 - Abstract Book

S4253

RTT - Education, training, advanced practice and role developments

ESTRO 2025

reduces human error, and improves the overall quality of care. [1] Despite these advantages, the adoption of AI poses challenges and limitations, including ethical and professional concerns regarding the evolving role of Radiotherapy Technologists (RTTs).[2] This study aims to investigate the attitudes, competencies, and expectations of RTTs in the Apulia and Basilicata regions.

Figure 1: Geographical distribution of the two regions involved in the study

Material/Methods: An anonymous questionnaire was developed to evaluate the adoption of AI across 12 radiotherapy departments. The total number of professionals involved was determined by consulting at least one RTT representative from each radiotherapy center located in these regions. The questionnaire consisted of four sections with 20 questions, addressing various aspects of AI implementation. Topics included demographic information, participants’ attitudes toward new technologies, familiarity with AI-based systems, and expectations for future developments. It was distributed online through Google Forms platform between August 29 and September 5, 2024. Results: Of the 118 RTTs and 8 RTT chiefs identified in the two regions, 30 responses (24%) were received. Analysis revealed that 70% of respondents neither use AI systems in their daily practice nor received AI-specific education during their undergraduate studies. Nonetheless, 60% expressed strong interest in AI technology and recognized its potential advantages. 80% of participants emphasized the need for specialized training in the use of AI systems in radiotherapy. Half of the respondents expressed concerns that AI might reduce technical competencies by automating processes traditionally performed manually. However, 60% acknowledged the benefits of AI, including improved accuracy in tumor target localization and a reduction in patient side effects. Most RTTs affirmed the importance of human oversight to ensure treatment quality while expressing a strong willingness to update their skills and knowledge through AI-focused training.