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Introductory Radiation Oncology Curriculum: Report of a National Needs Assessment and Multi-institutional Pilot Implementation.
- Source :
-
International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics . Aug2018, Vol. 101 Issue 5, p1029-1038. 10p. - Publication Year :
- 2018
-
Abstract
- <bold>Purpose: </bold>To assess the optimal structure of an introductory curriculum (IC) for radiation oncology residents, including the perceived utility of a 2-day off-site "boot camp," and evaluate the success of a pilot introductory radiation oncology curriculum (IROC) based on these initial data.<bold>Methods and Materials: </bold>In the first phase, anonymous, web-based surveys were sent to US radiation oncology program directors and residents. Likert-type scores (1, not at all; 5, extremely) are reported as the median and interquartile range. Using the phase 1 results, IROC was developed, piloted, and evaluated.<bold>Results: </bold>Of the 89 program directors and 697 residents, 47 (53%) and 165 (24%) responded, respectively. Of the 89 program directors, 37 (79%) reported offering a formal IC. However, only 83 residents (50%) reported having a formal IC. Program directors reported resident preparation for clinical training as "moderate" (median 3, interquartile range 2-3) on entering residency and "moderate" (median 3, interquartile range 3-4) after IC completion (P = .03). However, residents only believed they were "slightly" prepared (median 2, interquartile range 1-2) on entering residency and "moderately" (median 3, interquartile range 2-3) prepared after IC completion (P < .01). Program directors believed an off-site boot camp would be of "moderate" utility (median 3, interquartile range 3-4) with participation limited by funding (57%). Residents without an IC reported that having an IC would be "quite" beneficial (median 4, interquartile range 3-5). Residents preferred instruction before the clinical training (49%) and over 1 week (40%). Both program directors and residents rated lectures on radiation emergencies and simulation highly. Using these data, IROC was developed and piloted with incoming residents at 4 institutions. After IROC, residents reported improvement in overall preparedness for clinical training (before: median 1, interquartile range 1-2; vs after: median 3, interquartile range 2-3; P < .01) and among specific practice domains.<bold>Conclusions: </bold>Beginning radiation oncology residents frequently lack structured introductory curricula but desire instruction before the clinical training with a focus on practical aspects (emergency management, contouring). Program directors recognize the value of both off-site and on-site boot camps. An on-site IC could mitigate funding barriers. A standardized IC, IROC, piloted at 4 programs, showed promising outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- *RADIOTHERAPY
*ONCOLOGY
*MEDICAL students
*RADIATION dosimetry
*LIKERT scale
*CLINICAL competence
*COMPARATIVE studies
*CURRICULUM
*INTERNET
*INTERNSHIP programs
*RESEARCH methodology
*MEDICAL cooperation
*MEDICAL education
*NEEDS assessment
*RESEARCH
*RESEARCH funding
*PILOT projects
*EVALUATION research
*EVALUATION of human services programs
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 03603016
- Volume :
- 101
- Issue :
- 5
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 130541571
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrobp.2018.04.020