Abstract
Purpose
The incidence of cancer is rising and it is estimated that 52.3% of cancer cases require radiotherapy (RT) at some stage
during their treatment. Therapy radiographers (TR) have a key role in health care provision , however a common
regulation for TR across the EU countries does not exist. This hinders mobility of professionals and compromises patient
safety. The aim of this study is to assess the market needs, identify the educational gaps and implement educational
actions to close these gaps.
Methodology
The study will be conducted across Europe. Literature reviews are being performed to investigate the competencies
developed in European undergraduate curricula and highlight the gaps in competencies. Surveys and interviews to
stakeholders will determine the essential competencies for radiographers. Gaps in skills will be investigated among
radiography professionals. Specific skills include administration of radiation treatments, digital skills, advanced skills and
green skills.
Results
Recommendations regarding skills to be developed within education programmes will be published. The overall expected
result of this project will be that radiographers will have competencies that match the market needs, a market that is not
country specific but European wide. This will be accompanied by a radiography profession with standardised educational
skills/competencies across all EU member states.
Conclusions
It is anticipated that standardised training will increase employability and knowledge transfer. Staff educated in different
countries will be able to travel freely within the EU and deliver work to the same standard and competency level,
regardless of where they were educated
The incidence of cancer is rising and it is estimated that 52.3% of cancer cases require radiotherapy (RT) at some stage
during their treatment. Therapy radiographers (TR) have a key role in health care provision , however a common
regulation for TR across the EU countries does not exist. This hinders mobility of professionals and compromises patient
safety. The aim of this study is to assess the market needs, identify the educational gaps and implement educational
actions to close these gaps.
Methodology
The study will be conducted across Europe. Literature reviews are being performed to investigate the competencies
developed in European undergraduate curricula and highlight the gaps in competencies. Surveys and interviews to
stakeholders will determine the essential competencies for radiographers. Gaps in skills will be investigated among
radiography professionals. Specific skills include administration of radiation treatments, digital skills, advanced skills and
green skills.
Results
Recommendations regarding skills to be developed within education programmes will be published. The overall expected
result of this project will be that radiographers will have competencies that match the market needs, a market that is not
country specific but European wide. This will be accompanied by a radiography profession with standardised educational
skills/competencies across all EU member states.
Conclusions
It is anticipated that standardised training will increase employability and knowledge transfer. Staff educated in different
countries will be able to travel freely within the EU and deliver work to the same standard and competency level,
regardless of where they were educated
Original language | English |
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Pages | 1 |
Number of pages | 1 |
Publication status | Accepted/In press - 20 Aug 2021 |
Event | ISRRT 2021 - Dublin/online, Ireland Duration: 20 Aug 2021 → 22 Aug 2021 https://isrrtdublin2021.org/ |
Conference
Conference | ISRRT 2021 |
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Country/Territory | Ireland |
Period | 20/08/21 → 22/08/21 |
Internet address |
Keywords
- radiography education, safe practice, free movement of professionals in Europe