Module information
Module details
- Title
- Radiotherapy 1
- Type
- Specialist
- Module code
- SPE157
- Credits
- 20
- Requirement
- Compulsory
Aim of this module
This module provides the trainee with the knowledge that underpins the specialist rotation in Radiotherapy Physics in the second year of the MSc.
Dosimetry and Treatment Equipment
To provide the trainee with development and experience in the performance of measurements relating to radiotherapy treatment and interpretation of results.
Treatment Planning
To provide development and experience in treatment planning for radiotherapy treatments, including planning, quality assurance and provision of advice.
Work-based components
Academic content (MSc in Clinical Science)
Important information
The academic parts of this module will be detailed and communicated to you by your university. Please contact them if you have questions regarding this module and its assessments. The module titles in your MSc may not be exactly identical to the work-based modules shown in the e-portfolio. Your modules will be aligned, however, to ensure that your academic and work-based learning are complimentary.
Learning outcomes
- Explain the radiobiological basis of radiotherapy.
- Explain the patient pathway in radiotherapy and the associated risks.
- Discuss the physics of radiotherapy treatment machines and dosimetry equipment.
- Describe and evaluate the requirements for QA on radiotherapy equipment and undertake QA and dose measurements on radiotherapy equipment.
- Explain and justify the quality framework in Radiotherapy Physics.
- Undertake treatment planning on a basic range of clinical conditions.
- Discuss the requirements for safe working in the radiotherapy environment.
Indicative content
Fundamentals
- Radiobiology
- Radiation interactions with the patient at a wide range of photon and electron energies
- Dosimetry theory and methods in radiotherapy
- The relationship between measurements and dose
- Electron and photon codes of practice
Clinical
- The Radiotherapy Patient Pathway and associated dosimetry risks
- Dose limits to organs at risk
- Radiobiological models used in different tumour groups
- Knowledge of isodose distributions and patient-related corrections
Equipment
- The physics, operation and performance limitations of treatment simulators, CT simulators, linear accelerators, and superficial and orthovoltage units
- The physics, operation and performance limitations of dosimetry equipment
- The physics, operation and limitations of in-vivo dosimetry systems, EPIDs
- Characteristics of clinical beams
Treatment Planning
- Principles of treatment planning
- Target volume localisation: definitions and methods
- Beam modifiers
Radiation Protection
- Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999, Ionising Radiations Medical Exposure Regulations 2000 as applied to radiotherapy
- Environmental Permitting Regulations 2010, High Activity Sealed Sources (HASS) Regulations 2006 and other relevant legislation as applied to radiotherapy
- Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2000 as applied to radiotherapy
- the roles of operator and practitioner in radiotherapy planning and dosimetry
- concomitant doses
- Basic treatment room design and radiation protection
Quality Framework
- The role of quality assurance systems, e.g. ISO9000 in Radiotherapy Physics
- The basis of interdepartmental audit
Clinical experiences
Important information
Clinical experiential learning is the range of activities trainees may undertake in order to gain the experience and evidence to demonstrate their achievement of module competencies and assessments. The list is not definitive or mandatory, but training officers should ensure, as best training practice, that trainees gain as many of these clinical experiences as possible. They should be included in training plans, and once undertaken they should support the completion of module assessments and competencies within the e-portfolio.
Activities
Dosimetry and Treatment Equipment
- Discuss the importance, application and relevance of routine quality assurance to patient care and treatment.
- Discuss the importance of external dosimetry audits and how this can be used to inform clinical practice.
- Identify and discuss the risks associated with the introduction of new equipment, with reference to how the commissioning process mitigates the risk.
- Develop a protocol for a new technique or piece of equipment and present to your supervisor and colleagues with rationale and implications for patient and service benefits.
Treatment Planning
- Follow the progress of the patient from the referral to the end of treatment and reflect on your learning from this process.
It is also recommended that trainees undertake the following clinical experiential learning:
- Participate in the commissioning of planning technique and system and reflect on the uncertainties of treatment planning with respect to treatment delivery.
- Produce a case-based study of a complex planning technique used in the local department, to include evaluation of the technique in terms of its applicability, effectiveness and benefits to patient treatment.
- Perform a case study of an ongoing clinical trial. Reflect on and review the process and outcomes in terms of the interaction between Radiotherapy Physics and other specialisms to improve patient care.
- Participate in planning team meetings and report on the process and outcomes in terms of the contribution of this process to improvements and innovation in service delivery and the impact on improved patient treatment.
- Participate in the resolution of clinical queries at all stages of the patient pathway and discuss possible solutions to ensure successful patient delivery.
- Attend a multidisciplinary meeting and reflect on the way the multidisciplinary team contributes to the care of patients undergoing radiotherapy treatment.