Open AccessImplementation of radiation therapist cylinder insertion for vaginal vault brachytherapy
Author(s) -
Paterson Dean B.,
Pearson Shelley M.,
Johnson Carol A.
Publication year - 2019
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.329
Subject(s) - brachytherapy , radiation therapist , vaginal vault , workforce , medical physics , medicine , radiation oncologist , process (computing) , radiation oncology , radiation therapy , vault (architecture) , computer science , hysterectomy , radiology , engineering , structural engineering , economics , operating system , economic growth
Vaginal vault brachytherapy is a common treatment for endometrial cancer. Historically, applicator insertion has been the domain of a radiation oncologist ( RO ). This commentary outlines a project to improve efficiency and workforce utilisation by introducing a competency framework and training module allowing entitled radiation therapists to perform single‐channel cylinder applicator insertions and treatment delivery under RO supervision for fraction one and without supervision for subsequent fractions. The rationale, relevant regulations, implementation process and barriers are explored.