Work-based content
Competencies
| # | Learning outcome | Competency | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| # 1 | Learning outcome 1,2,4 |
Competency
Measure the depth dose curves and profiles of a MV photon beam and evaluate the effect of chamber design |
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| # 2 | Learning outcome 1,2,4 |
Competency
Measure the depth ionisation curves and profiles of an electron beam and, with reference to the code of practice, evaluate the effect of chamber design. Determine the depth dose curve |
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| # 3 | Learning outcome 4 |
Competency
Use the relevant codes of practice (kV, MV, electrons), including traceability, and establish the required factors, including performing inter-comparisons, and compare with the current values |
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| # 4 | Learning outcome 1,2,4 |
Competency
Evaluate the beam profile and dose output for a kV machine |
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| # 5 | Learning outcome 2,3,4 |
Competency
Perform routine quality assurance (QA) on treatment machines, including MV and kV imaging as appropriate |
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| # 6 | Learning outcome 2,3,4 |
Competency
Perform QA on imaging equipment used for radiotherapy (eg CT, MRI, kV, as appropriate), |
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| # 7 | Learning outcome 1 |
Competency
Perform measurements or calculations to compare a fixed SSD calculation system with an isocentric system |
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| # 8 | Learning outcome 2,3 |
Competency
Assist in the correction of the calibration of the dose delivery system and the beam parameters on a Linac |
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| # 9 | Learning outcome 3 |
Competency
Assist in the correction of out-of- tolerance results for mechanical movements (eg field size) |
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| # 10 | Learning outcome 1,2,4 |
Competency
Assist with the practical aspects of commissioning new treatment machines/techniques or revalidate the data in use, eg by selecting an appropriate detector, acquiring beam data and critically appraising with respect to reference data |
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| # 11 | Learning outcome 5 |
Competency
Perform patient-specific QA checks for complex treatment plans |
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Assessments
You must complete:
- 3 case-based discussion(s)
- 2 of the following DOPS/ OCEs:
| Perform required measurements to characterise a MV treatment beam | DOPS |
| Assist in the correction of out-of-tolerance results for mechanical movements and discuss the implications for clinical use | DOPS |
| Assist in the adjustment of linac beam parameters and discuss the implications for clinical use | DOPS |
| Participate in the calibration of the dose delivery system on a Linac. | DOPS |
| Perform acceptance measurements on new treatment machine (alongside qualified staff) | DOPS |
| Perform required measurements to characterise an electron treatment beam. | DOPS |
| Convert depth ionisation to depth dose for an electron beam and characterise in terms of R50,d etc | DOPS |
| Perform measurements or calculations to compare a fixed SSD calculation system with an isocentric system. | DOPS |
| calibrate an ionisation chamber for a MV quality as per the code of practice | DOPS |
| calibrate an ionisation chamber for a kV quality as per the code of practice | DOPS |
| calibrate an ionisation chamber for an electron beam as per the code of practice | DOPS |
| Perform measurements as part of interdepartmental or clinical trial dosimetry and planning audits | DOPS |
| Develop a protocol for a new technique or piece of equipment and present to supervisor and colleagues with rationale and implications for patient and service benefits. | OCE |
| Discuss the rationale behind QA tests required post changes in major items on the linac e.g. gun, waveguide, ion chamber, magnetron | OCE |
| Perform patient specific quality assurance checks for complex treatment plans. Discuss the findings with a senior colleague identifying where the uncertainties in the measurement present and the potential affect on the patient treatment | OCE |
| Discuss witha senior colleague, the effects of any variance in mechanical or dosimetric variance of a treatment unit on the delivered dose to a patient | OCE |
| Discuss the sources of uncertainty in the intercomparison of the field chamber including the dosimetric chain | OCE |
| Discuss the problems of small field dosimetry and approriate use of detectors | OCE |
| Perform definitive calibration measurements across a range radiotherapy beam energies | DOPS |
| Perform ion recombination measurements for photon and electron beams | DOPS |
| Perform measurements on an OBI/ Kv imaging system to be able to assess the associated dose given to patients | DOPS |
Learning outcomes
- Perform required measurements to characterise a treatment beam.
- Perform required measurements to establish a treatment machine is suitable for clinical use.
- Interpret results and instigate corrective action where required.
- Apply the appropriate codes of practice.
- Perform patient-specific quality assurance and in-vivo dosimetry and analyse the results.