[The first steps towards advanced practice for radiation therapists].

Cancer Radiother

Département de radiothérapie, institut Jules-Bordet, université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), hôpital universitaire de Bruxelles (H.U.B), rue Meylemeersch, 90, 1070 Bruxelles, Belgique.

Published: September 2023

AI Article Synopsis

  • Advanced practice in radiation therapy (RT) requires evidence of the roles and contributions of radiation therapists (RTT) in clinical settings.
  • The French Society of Oncologic Radiotherapy highlighted RTT responsibilities during its congress, focusing on areas like patient follow-up, expertise in Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT), Adaptive Radiotherapy (ART), and involvement in research.
  • Key findings indicate that RTTs are crucial in post-treatment care, decision-making processes in IGRT, and advancing their skills in ART; these roles demand proper organizational support and higher education for effective practice.

Article Abstract

The implementation of advanced practice in RT requires evidence regarding the clinical practices of radiation therapists (RTT) in the field. In this context, the goal of this article is to report the roles assigned to RTT in order to meet the demands of patients, RT services, and/or healthcare professionals. As part of the French Society of Oncologic Radiotherapy's congress, the Radiotherapy Committee of the French Association of radiographers presented a scientific program encompassing three main themes: patient follow-up by a RTT, the expertise of an RTT in Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT), Adaptive Radiotherapy (ART), and the involvement of a RTT in research. This article presents an overview of five oral presentations that highlight concrete examples of roles assigned to RTTs in these specific domains. The follow-up of patients has been assigned to RTT. Research and development have been recognized as activities in which RTT play a significant role. The establishment of RTT specializing in IGRT has been reported to facilitate decision-making and is essential in ensuring professional expertise. Lastly, there is a need to enhance RTT skills in adaptive RT to support the implementation of this technique. These roles described as advanced practice meet needs and require a specific organisational framework and appropriate education and training (master type). Activities such as post-RT follow-up, validation of positioning imaging, delineation, writing research protocols, and involvement in the development of technological innovations were identified as essential tasks that can be assigned to RTT.

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Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.canrad.2023.06.014DOI Listing

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