ESTRO 2025 - Abstract Book

S4266

RTT - Education, training, advanced practice and role developments

ESTRO 2025

Conclusion: International expert consensus was reached for 24 of 26 statements after three Delphi rounds. The results of this Delphi study provide a solid foundation for further development of guidelines and educational materials for RTTs and dosimetrists working in PT. This will contribute to the standardization and enhancement of the overall quality of PT.

Keywords: Best practice, proton therapy, RTTs

References: [1]: Particle Therapy Co-Operative Group [Internet]. [cited 2024 Sept 17]. Available from: https://www.ptcog.site/ [2]: Towards a Sustainable RTT Network [Internet]. [cited 2024 Sept 17]. Available from: tasernet.eu

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Digital Poster The Road to ESTRO; a Multidisciplinary Research Mentorship Program; Impact on Radiation Therapists' Attitudes and Confidence Towards Research Samantha Ryan 1 , Ciaran Malone 2 , Niamh Carrol 1 , Susan Traynor 1 , Michelle Leech 3 , Sinead Brennan 4 , Gerry Hanna 4 , Ruth Woods 1 1 Radiation Therapy, St Lukes Radition Oncology Network, Dublin, Ireland. 2 Physics, St Lukes Radition Oncology Network, Dublin, Ireland. 3 School of Radiation Therapy, Applied Radiation Therapy Trinity, Discipline of Radiation Therapy & Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland. 4 Radiation Oncology, , St.Luke's Radiation Oncology Network, Dublin, Ireland Purpose/Objective: Engaging radiation therapists (RTTs) in research can enhance evidence-based practice and improve patient outcomes in radiation oncology. However, RTTs often face barriers to research involvement, including limited time around clinical work, limited confidence, skills, and mentorship opportunities. In response, our institution developed a multidisciplinary research mentorship program designed to foster RTT engagement in research activities, enhance confidence, and build research capacity across the department. The program's endpoint is submission of an abstract for each RTT to ESTRO 2025, with funding provided for successful participants to attend the conference in Vienna. This study evaluates the program's impact on RTTs’ attitudes toward research and self assessed research skills and confidence. Material/Methods: A baseline survey was conducted with RTTs across our institution to gauge initial attitudes toward research, perceived value of research participation, perceived barriers to research, and current levels of confidence and skill in research activities. The survey included questions on previous research experience, interest in further training, and barriers to research engagement. Following the survey, RTTs were invited to participate in a mentorship program, pairing them with experienced researchers from multidisciplinary backgrounds, including RTT, medical physics and clinical oncology. The program comprised monthly mentorship sessions and collaborative research projects targeting critical areas in radiation oncology, with RTTs leading on study design, data collection, and analysis. Results: The survey revealed diverse experience levels among participants, with 50% having more than 10 years of experience, while 50% had fewer than 3 years of experience. Interest in research was high, with 64% expressing strong enthusiasm ("Yes, definitely") and an additional 36% indicating conditional interest if time and resources allowed. Key barriers identified included a lack of allocated time (reported by 82%), insufficient knowledge and skills (73%), lack of mentorship and support (64%), and a weak research culture (55%). These findings informed the