ESTRO meets Asia 2024 - Abstract Book

S12

Invited Speaker

ESTRO meets Asia 2024

The barriers to PROM uptake by patients, including consent, language, length of PROM questionnaires, and health literacy, will be addressed. There are challenges in the implementation of electronic PROMs with increased IT security concerns. Other logistic issues such as manpower, budgeting for PROM use as part of routine clinical duties, and the length of consultation time will be discussed.

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Keys to success in PROMS: A patient’s view lying on the LINAC

Julie McCrossin

Australia

Abstract

As an 11-year survivor of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer and a Head and Neck Cancer patient advocate, Julie will share examples of Patient Reported-Outcome Measures (PROMS) in routine radiation therapy treatment in Australia. The focus will be on the key factors that need to be in place to make this use of PROMS successful and the benefits to patients and multidisciplinary clinicians.

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Burnout amongst radiation oncology professionals

Elizabeth Forde

Discipline of Radiation Therapy, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland. Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland

Abstract

Burnout is an occupational phenomenon prevalent across all professions in Radiation Oncology. While not a new concept, the causes and impact of professional burnout are becoming increasingly better understood. To effectively tackle professional burnout a proactive approach must be adopted, whilst also having reactive strategies in place to support staff. Burnout is typically accompanied by a range of signs including emotional exhaustion, compassion fatigue, increased anxiety, lack of motivation, and poor professional performance. The physical and psychological consequences of burnout on the individual are significant. Not only does mental health decline but coping mechanisms and changed behaviours impact physical wellbeing. Individuals experiencing burnout are more likely to experience illness and are more likely to leave the profession, which then has a knock-on effect for our workforce and patients. Given the roles and responsibilities of individual staff are varied, the root causes of burnout may be profession specific. For example, for radiation therapists a lack of sense of belonging, unrecognition of their profession, and poor team collaboration will contribute to burnout. Radiation oncologists often find themselves constantly advocating for radiation therapy as a viable treatment option for cancer in tumour board meetings, in which they become progressively “battle-weary”. Furthermore, the ever-increasing number of administrative duties and non-