ESTRO 37 Abstract book

ESTRO 37

S618

Mann Whitney U test was performed to test for any significant difference in INT between the years. Results 561 breast RT patients from June 2015 to June 2016 were included in the study and the descriptive statistics were summarised in the table below.

2016

(Jan-

2015

(Jun-

Jun)After implementing RTT led services

Dec)Before implementing RTT led services

Number patients

of

217

344

Conclusion As a result of the research, it was found that the first side effects usually occur between 3 and 5 session, which is mainly related to the significant increase in energy used in session. According to BMI, it can be concluded that among obese patients there is a problem with the accumulation of energy near the surface of skin because of the large amount of body fat. In slim patients the pubic bone is the most exposed body part in the heated area, so the electrode leans on it and causes point accumulation of energy. Then it causes an unpleasant pubic bone stinging.

Mean INT (days) 15.8

13.1

95% Confidence Intervals for Mean INT (days)

14.5 - 17.1

12.4 - 13.8

Significant differences (p<0.05) were found in the INT between the time periods before an after implementing the RTT led services. Conclusion This study suggests that intervals between the decision to treat and the RT planning dates of our radical breast RT patients has been shortened since the RTT led services were implemented at our institution. The patient pathways have been streamlined to deliver the same high quality services in a more resourceful and innovative way. Further data analysis is planned for showcasing the impact of our RTT led services on radical prostate and palliative RT patient pathways. PO-1097 Engaging employees through a unique career development program S. Lowitz 1 , M. Cohen 2 1 Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Radiation Oncology, glen mills, USA 2 Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Radiation Oncology, Philadelphia, USA Purpose or Objective As of 2012, the Department of Radiation Oncology paid radiation therapists step increases to their base salary for pre-determined years of service. This salary model incentivized tenure and longevity and did not always recognize or reward therapists who went beyond the expectations of their role. Long-standing therapists grew less engaged with their work over time because they were guaranteed financial reward simply by remaining employed in the same role. Therapist disengagement and lack of motivation was exacerbated by the challenging job market as centers consolidated and therapy growth opportunities grew scarcer. Material and Methods In an effort to improve staff engagement, encourage professional skill building, recognize high-performance and achieve cost savings, the department developed a Career Ladder program to replace step increases. The Career Ladder program provides structured opportunities and incentives for therapists to participate in activities and experiences that build new skills, allow them to gain a broader understanding of healthcare operations and contribute meaningfully to the department. Therapists who meet the criteria and compile a portfolio are considered to receive a one-time annual financial bonus and a level on the career ladder. Therapists can earn points towards the Career Ladder through serving on

Poster: RTT track: Education and training/role development

PO-1096 The impact of advanced practice in a large radiotherapy department Y.M. Tsang 1 , O. Shoffren 1 , J. Kudhail 1 1 Mount Vernon Hospital, Radiotherapy, Northwood Middlesex, United Kingdom Purpose or Objective Radiation therapists (RTTs) play a pivotal role in providing care to cancer patients across the entire radiotherapy pathway. The profession has been evolving since the career progression framework was first described in the United Kingdom. There is an increasing number and diversity of new roles being implemented, especially at advanced levels of practice where RTTs routinely act as the key workers for cancer patients. This study aims to demonstrate how our institution integrates RTT advance practice into routine radical breast cancer patient pathways and its relative impact on our radiotherapy (RT) service. Material and Methods With the increasing demand for breast RT, our institution has implemented RTT led services including breast RT target volume localisation and both on treatment and follow up toxicity review clinics at the beginning of 2016. These advanced practices were expected to enhance our RT service delivery and hence improve patient outcomes by increasing capacity and patient throughput. A training and competency framework incorporating both academic and clinical components has been developed for the clinical implantation of the RTT led services at our institution. A retrospective review of radical breast RT patients who were treated in 2015 (before implementing RTT led services) and 2016 (after implementing RTT led services) was carried out to determine the interval between decision to treat and the first RT planning date (INT).