Abstract
Introduction: The literature identifies various competences required for therapy
radiographers (TR), however, these are varied and scattered among different publications.
The aim of this study was to identify the competences required by therapy radiographers
practising on the linear accelerator in the European setting, according to published literature.
Methods: A systematic approach was performed to find relevant literature. The literature was
then scrutinised for competences practised by linac TRs. Thematic analysis was performed
to organise the competences according to themes.
Results: A list of 170 competences were generated based on the assessment of 28
publications. The competences were organised in themes, including “delivery of treatment”,
“verification of patient setup”, “patient care” and “teamwork and multidisciplinarity”. The
competences of the therapeutic radiographers encompass multiple themes, evidence of the
complexity of the role of these professionals.
Conclusion: Radiographers across Europe must be trained to the highest standards to
ensure the best care possible is given to patients, irrespective of the country the
radiographer trained in. This will also promote for free movement of professionals across
countries. The competences identified can be used as reference for the design of academic
curriculum for TRs practising across Europe.
radiographers (TR), however, these are varied and scattered among different publications.
The aim of this study was to identify the competences required by therapy radiographers
practising on the linear accelerator in the European setting, according to published literature.
Methods: A systematic approach was performed to find relevant literature. The literature was
then scrutinised for competences practised by linac TRs. Thematic analysis was performed
to organise the competences according to themes.
Results: A list of 170 competences were generated based on the assessment of 28
publications. The competences were organised in themes, including “delivery of treatment”,
“verification of patient setup”, “patient care” and “teamwork and multidisciplinarity”. The
competences of the therapeutic radiographers encompass multiple themes, evidence of the
complexity of the role of these professionals.
Conclusion: Radiographers across Europe must be trained to the highest standards to
ensure the best care possible is given to patients, irrespective of the country the
radiographer trained in. This will also promote for free movement of professionals across
countries. The competences identified can be used as reference for the design of academic
curriculum for TRs practising across Europe.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 82-91 |
| Number of pages | 10 |
| Journal | Radiography |
| Volume | 26 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Early online date | 3 Jul 2019 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published (in print/issue) - 1 Feb 2020 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:This work was co-funded by the SAFE EUROPE project under the Erasmus+ Sector Skill Alliances programme [grant agreement 2018–2993/001-001 ]. The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein. The University of Malta has also provided funding to enable this PhD research.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2019 The College of Radiographers
Copyright:
Copyright 2020 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.
Keywords
- Competencies
- Education
- Radiation therapist
- Standards of practice
- Therapeutic radiographers
