Open AccessAn exploration of the feasibility of radiation therapist participation in treatment reviews
Author(s) -
Monk Clare Maree,
Wrightson Stephanie Jane,
Smith Tony Neil
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
journal of medical radiation sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.484
H-Index - 18
eISSN - 2051-3909
pISSN - 2051-3895
DOI - 10.1002/jmrs.23
Subject(s) - audit , medicine , respondent , radiation therapist , context (archaeology) , workforce , family medicine , intervention (counseling) , workload , nursing , radiation therapy , paleontology , management , political science , computer science , law , economics , biology , operating system , economic growth
As radiation oncologists' ( RO s') workload has increased over time, treatment review clinics have become recognized as an area of RO practice into which radiation therapist ( RT ) practice could extend. There has been limited utilization of RT s in this role in Australia and a paucity of data on the acceptability and opinions regarding RT s practising in this role in an Australian context. The purpose of this audit was to investigate the feasibility of RT participation in review clinics at Calvary Mater Newcastle. Methods Feasibility was determined by two methods: an audit of 200 treatment reviews to determine medical intervention ( MI ) levels required and a survey of 80 clinical staff to explore attitudes towards RT participation in clinics. Results Medical intervention was required in 59% ( n = 118) of observed reviews, with the lowest being for breast (33%) and prostate (28%) cancers. MI peaked at 73% between fractions 16–20 and was lowest early and late in the treatment period at 48%. There were 60 responses to the staff survey. All but one respondent agreed that RT s would be willing to participate in treatment review clinics, but all five consultant RO s indicated they would not be willing to delegate reviews to RT s. Conclusions Neither feasibility measure reached acceptable levels to recommend RT participation in treatment review clinics. Further investigation and RT education are required to help meet the future RO workforce shortfall. As MI rates are lowest for breast and prostate cancer RT participation could be targeted to these clinics.