Evaluation of selection criteria for graduate students in radiation therapy

Abstract

Selection of suitable students into graduate medical and specialist health professional courses can be difficult. Historically, selection of students was primarily based on prior academic performance. Recently, however, more emphasis has been placed on considering broader academic backgrounds and personal characteristics and attitudes of students, but no reliable measurement tool is available to predict student success and satisfaction with their choice of profession. The aim of this study was to survey practising radiation therapists in Australia to seek their opinions regarding suitable selection criteria for graduate entry radiation therapy (RT) students in order to optimize selection procedures for future applicants. Four hundred questionnaires were sent to nine RT centres in three states within Australia. All nine clinics participated in the survey and 189 questionnaires were returned. Results show that the majority of radiation therapists place a high level of importance upon a sound knowledge of physics and mathematics, as well as life experience, and agree that a visit to an RT clinic plus an interview comprise important components of the selection process. Humanities, psychology and a psychometric test were not viewed as essential entry requirements. Experienced radiation therapists placed less value on academic performance in the primary degree and were more likely to include an interview as a selection criterion than junior practitioners. Empathy for patients was identified as the most important personal attribute. It is thus recommended that not only cognitive but also personal skills be evaluated during the selection of prospective radiation therapists.

Attributes of Effective Disaster Responders: Focus Group Discussions With Key Emergency Response Leaders

“…For example, a number of studies in health care provide evidence that, in addition to skills and knowledge, certain personal characteristics contribute to successful clinical performance. 49,[57][58][59][60][61][62][63][64][65] Systematic development of a competent disaster medicine workforce requires first that worker competencies be defined and then validated. These competencies, then, could guide workforce development processes such as recruitment, assessment, selection and placement, training, and performance management.…”

“…These diverse attributes also span several general domains of knowledge, skills, attitudes, behaviors, and personal characteristics, domains consistently found in the general literature on competencies. For example, a number of studies in health care provide evidence that, in addition to skills and knowledge, certain personal characteristics contribute to successful clinical performance 49575859606162636465…”

Student selection in radiography education. A narrative review

“…4,5,6,7 There is some evidence that successful student selection may improve retention and promote long-term commitment to the radiography profession. 8,9,10,11 Radiography professionals' expertise focuses on the use of medically important diagnostic and therapeutic procedures when providing ionizing radiation to patients. 4,5,9,10,12,13 In addition to technical knowledge and skills, professionals must be able to engage appropriately and empathically with patients who are seriously ill. 4,5,9,10 The importance of problem-solving skills and ability to engage with other professionals has also been brought up by the professionals.…”

“…8,9,10,11 Radiography professionals' expertise focuses on the use of medically important diagnostic and therapeutic procedures when providing ionizing radiation to patients. 4,5,9,10,12,13 In addition to technical knowledge and skills, professionals must be able to engage appropriately and empathically with patients who are seriously ill. 4,5,9,10 The importance of problem-solving skills and ability to engage with other professionals has also been brought up by the professionals. 9,10 These requirements of the profession should be considered when planning student selection methods to select applicants with adequate knowledge and skills to study in radiography education.…”

Interprofessional Collaboration in Radiation Therapy

“…1 Within the radiation therapy [MRT(T)] discipline, a survey amongst staff radiation therapists revealed that interpersonal traits were deemed necessary in the selection of graduate MRT(T) students, and included competencies that reflected attributes of empathy, excellent communications skills, and being a team player. 2 The interprofessional team promotes quality patient care, improves staff engagement, and increases organizational efficiency and innovation. 3 Radiation therapists routinely work in a team environment with their colleagues and members of other disciplines such as radiation oncologists, medical physicists, oncology nurses, and other allied health providers of the cancer treatment team.…”