Open AccessThe development and implementation of a performance appraisal framework for radiation therapists in planning and simulation
Author(s) -
Becker Jillian,
Bridge Pete,
Brown Elizabeth,
FerrariAnderson Janet,
Lusk Ryan
Publication year - 2017
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.249
Subject(s) - pace , process management , process (computing) , scope (computer science) , computer science , consistency (knowledge bases) , quality (philosophy) , best practice , benchmarking , engineering management , knowledge management , management science , risk analysis (engineering) , business , engineering , political science , philosophy , geodesy , epistemology , artificial intelligence , law , programming language , geography , operating system , marketing
It is a challenge for radiation therapists (RTs) to keep pace with changing planning technology and techniques while maintaining appropriate skills levels. The ability of individual RTs to meet the demands of this constantly changing practice can only be assured through establishing clearly defined standards for practice and a systematic process for providing feedback on performance. Investigation into existing models for performance appraisal produced minimal results so a radiation therapy‐specific framework was developed. The goal for this initiative was to establish a framework that would reflect the complexity of practice and provide a clear measure of performance against them. This paper outlines the implementation of this framework into practice and discusses some lessons learned in the process. The framework was developed and implemented in six stages: (1) project team, (2) scope, (3) dosimetry pilot, (4) staff consultation, (5) finalisation and implementation and (6) future development and evaluation. Both cultural and organisational obstacles needed to be addressed before this framework could be successfully introduced. Even though this slowed progress, addressing these obstacles during the development process was essential to the success of this framework. The incremental approach provided the opportunity for each aspect to be tested and the development of subsequent stages to be informed by lessons learned during the previous one. This approach may be beneficial when developing and implementing projects involving performance appraisal to promote consistency, fairness and quality.