Virtual reality-based simulation improves gynecologic brachytherapy proficiency, engagement, and trainee self-confidence

Taunk, Neil K.; Shah, Nishant K.; Hubley, Emily; Anamalayil, Shibu; Trotter, Jacob; Li, Taoran

doi:10.1016/j.brachy.2021.03.003

Cited by 28 publications

(15 citation statements)

References 21 publications

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“…This trend may prove to be self‐reinforcing, whereby the reduction in brachytherapy caseload leads to fewer radiation oncologists proficient in brachytherapy, and further reduction in brachytherapy utilisation. To overcome this, some US training centres have instituted brachytherapy simulation‐based workshops to compensate for the reduced caseload, which have resulted in improvement in knowledge and technical proficiency among trainees 22,23 . This simulation‐based training has also been adapted in other international centres 24 .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Survey of brachytherapy training experience among radiation oncology trainees and fellows in the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR)

et al. 2022

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Introduction To evaluate brachytherapy training experience among trainees and fellows trained through the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR). Methods All current trainees and fellows (who obtained fellowship from 2015 onwards) were sent an online anonymous questionnaire on various aspects of brachytherapy training, including number of cases observed/ performed, opinions on brachytherapy assessment during training, barriers to brachytherapy training and future role of brachytherapy. Results The overall survey response rate was 24% (40/161 trainees, 30/126 fellows). Of the 70 respondents, 50 (71%), 38 (54%) and 43 (61%) reported to have received formal brachytherapy teaching from radiation oncologists, radiation therapists and medical physicists respectively. Most respondents had exposure to gynaecology brachytherapy – two‐thirds of trainees and all fellows have performed at least one gynaecology brachytherapy procedure. Prostate brachytherapy exposure was more limited – by the end of training, 27% and 13% of fellows did not have exposure to LDR and HDR prostate brachytherapy. More than two‐thirds indicated there should be a minimum number of brachytherapy case requirements during training, and half indicated that trainees should be involved in ≥6 gynaecology brachytherapy procedures. Barriers affecting training include lack of caseload (70%) and perceived decreasing role of brachytherapy (66%). Forty‐three percent of respondents were concerned about the decline in brachytherapy utilisation. Conclusion This is the first survey on brachytherapy training experience among RANZCR trainees and fellows. It highlighted limited brachytherapy exposure during RANZCR training, and the need to revisit brachytherapy training requirement in the current training programme, along with long‐term brachytherapy workforce planning.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Survey of brachytherapy training experience among radiation oncology trainees and fellows in the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR)

et al. 2022

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“…As previously mentioned, there are a few encouraging simulation-based workshops for prostate and gynecologic malignancies developed at other academic centers ( 23 − 28 ), ( 40 ). Among the programs for gynecologic brachytherapy, there are curriculums that have been developed that are MR-based ( 41 ), virtual reality-based ( 42 ), and cadaver-based ( 26 ). This initiative builds on the foundation already developed at other institutions with the hopes to increase the training specifically for gynecologic IS BT.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Gynecologic interstitial brachytherapy curriculum using a low-cost phantom with ultrasound workshop and a treatment planning workshop is effective

et al. 2022

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“…The feasibility of pelvic model based SBME for gynecological brachytherapy training has been established in multiple scenarios: single institutional, multi-institutional, and at national meetings 22–24 27 33 34 36 50. Is it time to move beyond feasibility and start using these training sessions more broadly and consistently?…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…At the University of Pennsylvania, a virtual reality training video was created that was able to be viewed through YouTube on a commercially available headset (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rs42NXRyhkk). 34 Residents performed a simulation case on a pelvic trainer before and after the virtual reality video and reported improvements in confidence and competence demonstrated by significantly decreased procedural time.…”

Section: Mr-guided Brachytherapy Trainingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Education in gynecological brachytherapy

Fields

Kahn

Singer

2022

Int J Gynecol Cancer

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Brachytherapy is an essential component in the curative treatment of many gynecological malignancies. In the past decade, advances in magnetic resonance imaging and the ability to adapt and customize treatment with hybrid interstitial applicators have led to improved clinical outcomes with decreased toxicity. Unfortunately, there has been a shift in clinical practice away from the use of brachytherapy in the United States. The decline in brachytherapy is multifactorial, but includes both a lack of exposure to clinical cases and an absence of standardized brachytherapy training for residents. In other medical specialties, a clear relationship has been established between clinical case volumes and patient outcomes, especially for procedural-based medicine. In surgical residencies, simulation-based medical education (SBME) is a required component of the program to allow for some autonomy before operating on a patient. Within radiation oncology, there is limited but growing experience with SBME for training residents and faculty in gynecological brachytherapy. This review includes single institutional, multi-institutional and national initiatives using creative strategies to teach the components of gynecological brachytherapy. These efforts have measured success in various forms; the majority serve to improve the confidence of the learners, and many have also demonstrated improved competence from the training as well. The American Brachytherapy Society launched the 300 in 10 initiative in 2020 with a plan of training 30 competent brachytherapists per year over a 10 year period and has made great strides with a formal mentorship program as well as externships available to senior residents interested in starting brachytherapy programs. Moving forward, these curricula could be expanded to provide standardized brachytherapy training for all residents. SBME could also play a role in initial certification and maintenance of certification. Given the burden of disease, it would be valuable to develop similar training for providers in low and middle income countries.

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Virtual reality-based simulation improves gynecologic brachytherapy proficiency, engagement, and trainee self-confidence

Cited by 28 publications

References 21 publications

Survey of brachytherapy training experience among radiation oncology trainees and fellows in the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR)

Survey of brachytherapy training experience among radiation oncology trainees and fellows in the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR)

Gynecologic interstitial brachytherapy curriculum using a low-cost phantom with ultrasound workshop and a treatment planning workshop is effective

Education in gynecological brachytherapy

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