Professor Mary Coffey

Summary

An initiative supported by ESTRO in conjunction with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)chaired by Mary Coffey. It has been increasingly recognised that across much of Europe insufficient time and focus is given to the practice of radiation therapy as an integral part of the education of radiation therapists. This has an impact on both recruitment and retention of staff in the clinical departments and on the level of additional training required following qualification. To attempt solving this issue, ESTRO and the IAEA supported this project which was structured to provideparticipants with the skills to be able to design, prepare and present a short course on a topic that they identified as an important area for radiation therapists in their own country. The first element of the project was a short course designed to cover all aspects of course preparation and presentation including the definition of academic content and the practical issues such as venues, cost, faculty etc. The project is divided into four phases: the first week an introductory workshop during which the participants defined the topic and began to prepare their individual course. The second phase, the presentation of the first short course in their own country monitored by a member of the teaching faculty; the third a three day feedback session for the full group and the fourth is the presentation of two further short courses. The long term aim is integration of the topic into the basic education programme for radiation therapists and a raising of the academic content relating to radiation therapy. The first project commenced in 2008 with the short course held in Vienna from 31st August - 4th September, 2008 attended by 24 participants representing 8 countries. Ideally, three participants from each country were invited representing clinical, academic and professional society. It was felt that this would give weight to the courses designed and presented and ensure that all interested parties would support the initiative. This course was a mixture of lectures, workshops and interactive feedback sessions. The lectures focused on the best approach to preparation of academic content and on the factors that must be considered from a practical perspective when organising a local course. This was a learning experience for both participants and faculty and was therefore flexible in terms of ensuring the maximum benefit gained. participants identified the topics most appropriate for their country and, together with the faculty, agreehow this could be best constructed within the confines of a three day course. In some instances the aim might be to develop and present a single course to three different kinds of participants, for others the three courses developed would be presented as a continuum to the same audience. The topics covered a wide range of topics including practical implementation of patient management systems, site specific management and professional development. The second phase is the delivery of the first short course monitored and if necessary supported by input from the faculty and the delivery of a further two courses within a two year period. Discussions with the educational facilities in the country should commence to address issues of curriculum relevance and development.

Funding Agency

Supported by the ESTRO and the IAEA

Project Type

Educational improvement

Summary

Education programmes for radiation therapists vary widely both internationally and across the European member states. Many programmes have very limited radiation therapy content focusing mainly on diagnostic imaging or, in some instances, general nursing. The technological aspects of radiotherapy are constantly evolving and the level of responsibility taken by the radiation therapists is frequently not supported by academic knowledge or clinical education. The original European core curriculum published in 1995 attempted to address this issue by recommending the introduction of a minimum standard across the then member states. This met with only minimal success and the revision of the European core curriculum in 2004 gave more specific guidelines relating to the educational experience, recommended academic content and duration and quality of clinical education. With the development of technology and raised public profile of the high level of risk associated with radiotherapy there is a increased acknowledgement of the need for appropriate education programmes for the staff involved in treatment delivery. The second review of the European core curriculum has therefore included an extensive survey of scope of practice and will aim to link the academic and clinical content to the scope of practice and level of responsibility undertaken by radiation therapists across the member states

Funding Agency

European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology

Project Type

Educational improvement

Summary

The preparation of an IAEA human health publication on accuracy and safety in radiotherapy. A working group met initially to define the areas and draft a table of contents. Sections for writing and second checking were defined and a second workshop will review the draft document and allocate further review tasks in preparation for publication.

Funding Agency

International Atomic Energy Agency

Project Type

Safety

Person Months

2

Summary

A working group was established in May 2010 to review the professional profile, working practices and education level of radiation therapists internationally. A preliminary draft document was outlined and will be circulated for discussion prior to task allocation and review

Funding Agency

International Atomic Energy Agency

Programme

Education and professional development