ESTRO meets Asia 2024 - Abstract Book

S375

RTT – Education, training, advanced practice and role developments

ESTRO meets Asia 2024

Conclusion:

By addressing the unique challenges faced during this transition period, this program contributes to the overall development of highly skilled and confident practitioners, who positively impact patient outcomes in the dynamic field of radiation therapy.

Keywords: Transition, program

References:

Forsythe, K. (2004) ‘RT Image’

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Proffered Paper

Opportunities and learnings from two-years of online education sessions for RTTs across Asia-Pacific

Aidan Leong 1,2 , Craig Opie 3,4 , Chetana Vartak 5 , Iain Ward 6,7

1 Department of Radiation Therapy, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand. 2 Radiation Therapy, Bowen Icon Cancer Centre, Wellington, New Zealand. 3 Northern Sydney Cancer Centre, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia. 4 School of Dentistry and Medical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, Australia. 5 Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, India. 6 Canterbury Regional Cancer and Haematology Service, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand. 7 Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand

Purpose/Objective:

In addition to shortages in radiotherapy equipment and personnel, lack of access to clinical education and training are prevalent barriers in many countries across Asia-Pacific (1). The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) supports a range of initiatives to address such barriers, one of which is the Asia-Pacific Radiation Oncology Network (ASPRONET). In 2021 ASPRONET commenced online education sessions for RTTs across 19 member states within Asia-Pacific. Sessions were targeted towards participants from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with limited access to professional development activities. Here we report on learnings from two-years’ experience conducting the program, as well opportunities for ongoing development.

Material/Methods:

Two series of ASPRONET online RTT education sessions were run between December 2021 and August 2022, and November 2022 and November 2023, respectively. Surveys were utilised to identify, and mitigate, barriers to participation and preferences for session content and structure as previously reported (2). While the first series focused on RTT practice in relation to anatomical treatment sites, the second series focused more broadly on professional development and RTT role evolution. Sessions were hosted in a webinar format, with contributions actively sought from LMIC participants where possible. In addition to prepared contributions, interaction between