Radiotherapy physics research in the UK: challenges and proposed solutions

Mackay, Ranald I; Burnet, N.G.; Green, S; Illidge, T.; Staffurth, John

doi:10.1259/bjr/61530686

Cited by 11 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 17 publications

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“…It has also been documented that lack of protected time for research is the biggest barrier to conducting research in radiation oncology physics departments (Mackay et al . ). When participants in this study did have the opportunity to be involved in research, their roles were enhanced and they were able to contribute towards evidence‐based practice.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Radiation therapists' and radiation oncology medical physicists' perceptions of work and the working environment in Australia: a qualitative study

et al. 2016

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Workforce recruitment and retention are issues in radiation oncology. The working environment is likely to have an impact on retention; however, there is a lack of research in this area. The objectives of this study were to: investigate radiation therapists' (RTs) and radiation oncology medical physicists' (ROMPs) perceptions of work and the working environment; and determine the factors that influence the ability of RTs and ROMPs to undertake their work and how these factors affect recruitment and retention. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and thematic analysis was used. Twenty-eight RTs and 21 ROMPs participated. The overarching themes were delivering care, support in work, working conditions and lifestyle. The overarching themes were mostly consistent across both groups; however, the exemplars reflected the different roles and perspectives of RTs and ROMPs. Participants described the importance they placed on treating patients and improving their lives. Working conditions were sometimes difficult with participants reporting pressure at work, large workloads and longer hours and overtime. Insufficient staff numbers impacted on the effectiveness of staff, the working environment and intentions to stay. Staff satisfaction is likely to be improved if changes are made to the working environment. We make recommendations that may assist departments to support RTs and ROMPs.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Radiation therapists' and radiation oncology medical physicists' perceptions of work and the working environment in Australia: a qualitative study

et al. 2016

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“…27 Previous research in radiation oncology has highlighted that research capacity is often displaced by routine clinical duties because the benefits of being involved in research have not been adequately recognised. 6,11,28,29 However, with more RTs participating in research and volunteering their skills it may be possible to change this attitude to research and advocate for more opportunities and time allocated to research. In addition, RTs will need to be proactive in their strategies to obtain research funding (e.g.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Radiation therapists' perspectives on participating in research

Halkett

Berg

Ebert

et al. 2017

J of Medical Radiation Sci

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IntroductionThe objectives of this research were to: (1) determine the extent of Australian radiation therapists (RTs) research participation; (2) evaluate the impact of research involvement on career perceptions (3) explore which research topics require investigation and (4) identify benefits and barriers to research participation.MethodsThis study used mixed methods to collect qualitative and quantitative data using an online survey from a larger workforce study of RTs and radiation oncology medical physicists. Participants practising in Australia completed questions about their research involvement. Chi‐square tests and logistic regression were used to analyse quantitative data and content analysis was used to explore qualitative data.ResultsTwo hundred and ninety‐six RTs answered the research questions. Forty‐six percent had been involved in research. Of these, 91% had been involved in departmental, 28% in national, 14% in international and 29% in informal or self‐directed research studies. Eleven RTs (8%) had received funding as a chief/principal investigator. Involvement in research was associated with a desire to make a career change. However, it also appeared to be associated with greater satisfaction with career progression and staying in the career. Respondents identified a range of potential research topics, benefits of participating in research and barriers which included lack of time, support and cost.ConclusionAlmost half of the RT participants identified that they were participating in research. Our data suggest that continued involvement in research, and opportunities to participate, improve RT job satisfaction. RTs' research activities are likely to be extended through provision of additional time and support.

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“…WS4 leads on technical aspects of radiotherapy development and QA for clinical trials. 56 Therefore, at this time, WS4 became tasked to provide a National QA programme for all National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Cancer Research Network (CRN) Clinical Research Portfolio Trials which include a radiotherapy component. The main objectives were to ensure that the remit of providing audit for every UK CRN study portfolio trial including radiotherapy was fulfilled, to develop the concept of trial complexity with appropriate levels of associated QA and to form links with other expert groups, e.g.…”

Section: Dosimetry Audit In Clinical Trialsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Radiotherapy dosimetry audit: three decades of improving standards and accuracy in UK clinical practice and trials

Clark

Aird

Bolton

et al. 2015

BJR

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Dosimetry audit plays an important role in the development and safety of radiotherapy. National and large scale audits are able to set, maintain and improve standards, as well as having the potential to identify issues which may cause harm to patients. They can support implementation of complex techniques and can facilitate awareness and understanding of any issues which may exist by benchmarking centres with similar equipment. This review examines the development of dosimetry audit in the UK over the past 30 years, including the involvement of the UK in international audits. A summary of audit results is given, with an overview of methodologies employed and lessons learnt. Recent and forthcoming more complex audits are considered, with a focus on future needs including the arrival of proton therapy in the UK and other advanced techniques such as four-dimensional radiotherapy delivery and verification, stereotactic radiotherapy and MR linear accelerators. The work of the main quality assurance and auditing bodies is discussed, including how they are working together to streamline audit and to ensure that all radiotherapy centres are involved. Undertaking regular external audit motivates centres to modernize and develop techniques and provides assurance, not only that radiotherapy is planned and delivered accurately but also that the patient dose delivered is as prescribed.

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Radiotherapy physics research in the UK: challenges and proposed solutions

Cited by 11 publications

References 17 publications

Radiation therapists' and radiation oncology medical physicists' perceptions of work and the working environment in Australia: a qualitative study

Radiation therapists' and radiation oncology medical physicists' perceptions of work and the working environment in Australia: a qualitative study

Radiation therapists' perspectives on participating in research

Radiotherapy dosimetry audit: three decades of improving standards and accuracy in UK clinical practice and trials

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