Training of radiotherapy professionals: status, content, satisfaction and improvement suggestions in the Greater Region

Abstract

Background The initial training of Radiation Oncology professionals can vary widely across Europe. The aim of this study was to assess the status and content of the initial training programs currently implemented in the Greater Region: Lorraine (Nancy, France), Saarland (Homburg, Germany), Luxembourg, and Liège (Wallonia, Belgium). Methods A survey was developed to investigate (1) the overall satisfaction, learning objectives, and teaching methods used during initial training programs and (2) the perceptions of the importance of key professional competencies as described by the CanMEDS (a framework that identifies and describes the abilities physicians require to effectively meet the health care needs of the people they serve). In addition, open-ended questions were used to elicit opinions on room for improvement. Participants (N = 38) were physicians (radiation oncologists (RO) seniors and residents) and radiation therapists (RTTs). Results Only 21.1% of the respondents declared having acquired all the competencies required for their professional practice during their initial training. Heterogeneity in teaching methods was noted within professional programs but there is no difference between those from RO and RTT in the teaching of technical and relational skills. Relational skills were not addressed in a range of 39.5–57.9% of respondent’s curricula. More practical lessons were deemed necessary to improve radiotherapy (RT) training programs. Conclusions Radiation oncology professionals expressed the need for more practical teaching, especially in the training of non-technical skills. Regarding the perceived importance of professional aptitudes, radiation oncology professionals highlighted medical and relational skills as the most important competencies.

Behind the Scenes: Radiotherapy technical training through professionals' eyes

“…Questionnaire-based studies often face discreet participation due to addressing difficulties and professionals' lack of availability amid their routine challenges. A European survey that evaluated the satisfaction of radiotherapy professionals in relation to their training reached an audience of 38 professionals working in France, Germany and Belgium [9] . In other words, the scope of the sample detailed here was quite reasonable.…”

“…Dubonis and colleagues published the results of a survey with 38 radiotherapy professionals (including doctors, physicists, and technicians) working in France, Germany, and Belgium, highlighting a significant lack in the practical aspect of training. Only a fifth of the respondents felt that their training was adequate when they entered the job market [9] .…”

Cost–benefit ratio of modern medical education using micro-costing: a model calculation using the example of an innovative breast brachytherapy workshop

“…Simulation-based training, rooted in active learning theories from cognitive and learning sciences, is increasingly sought after in modern medical education across various specialties [ 38 ]. In the field of radiation oncology, there is a significant demand for more practical lessons in training healthcare professionals [ 39 ]. However, despite their didactic advantages, the adoption of simulation-based teaching concepts in radiation oncology has been limited, possibly due to the associated requirements for personnel, time, and financial resources.…”

Development, implementation, and results of a simulation-based hands-on brachytherapy workshop for medical students

“…Recently, it has been reported that there is a great demand for more practical lessons in the training of radiation oncology professionals [ 33 ]. While it has been demonstrated that simulation-based education has a high benefit in radiation oncology, it mainly addresses the teaching of contouring.…”