Training activity information
Details
Perform planning and/or quality assurance activities on a specialist treatment modality. Reflect on the role and the cost/benefit considerations to the department and its patients for that modality
Type
Developmental training activity (DTA)
Evidence requirements
Evidence the activity has been undertaken by the trainee​.
Reflection on the activity at one or more time points after the event including learning from the activity and/or areas of the trainees practice for development.
An action plan to implement learning and/or to address skills or knowledge gaps identified.
Considerations
- For example:
- SRS
- Protons
- Helical
- MRL
- Total body techniques
Reflective practice guidance
The guidance below is provided to support reflection at different time points, providing you with questions to aid you to reflect for this training activity. They are provided for guidance and should not be considered as a mandatory checklist. Trainees should not be expected to provide answers to each of the guidance questions listed.
Before action
- What specialist treatment modality will you be focusing on (e.g., electrons, SABR, SRS)?
- What are the specific planning and/or quality assurance procedures for this modality?
- What is the fundamental physics and clinical application of this technique?
- What are the potential benefits and limitations of this modality for patients, and what are the cost implications for the department?
- How does this modality compare to alternative treatments?
- Who will you need to discuss these considerations with?
In action
- During the planning or QA process for this modality, what specific challenges are unique to this technique?
- Are you noticing any particular strengths or weaknesses of the equipment or software?
- How does this modality compare practically to other techniques you’ve used?
- As you consider the cost/benefit, are you making notes on both the advantages for patients (e.g., treatment efficacy, side effects) and the resource implications for the department (e.g., equipment costs, staffing)?
- Are you discussing your observations with colleagues to gain different perspectives?
On action
- What specific specialist treatment modality did you focus on (e.g., SABR, SRS electrons, other)? What were the key aspects of the planning or QA process for this modality? What were your initial impressions of the modality’s capabilities and limitations?
- What are the unique technical considerations for planning or delivering this specialist treatment modality? What potential benefits does this modality offer to patients compared to conventional techniques? What are the potential drawbacks or limitations? What are the resource implications (e.g., equipment costs, staffing, treatment time) for the department in offering this modality? How does this modality fit within the broader spectrum of radiotherapy treatments available? What did you learn about the role of this modality in providing patient-centred care?
- What further learning will you pursue to gain a deeper understanding of this specialist treatment modality? How will you consider cost/benefit factors when discussing treatment options or departmental resources in the future? How will you contribute to ensuring the appropriate and effective use of this modality for suitable patients?
Beyond action
- Reflecting on your planning or QA activities on a specialist modality and your consideration of its role and cost-benefit, have your views on the implementation and value of such technologies changed over time?
- How has this experience influenced your understanding of the factors involved in adopting and maintaining specialist treatment modalities within a radiotherapy department?
- How have your insights into the role and cost-benefit of specialist modalities since contributed to service development and strategic planning discussions?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 3 |
Outcome
Generate and evaluate SABR treatment plans taking into account the patient suitability for the treatment and alternative options available. |
| # 6 |
Outcome
Describe the use of specialist techniques in radiotherapy. |
| # 7 |
Outcome
Appraise the suitability of plans for superficial treatments and advise other health care professionals on their application. |
| # 8 |
Outcome
Practice effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide safe, patient centred radiotherapy treatments. |