Back to Search Start Over

Systematic review of educational interventions to improve contouring in radiotherapy

Systematic review of educational interventions to improve contouring in radiotherapy

Authors :
Max Dahele
Ahmed Salem
Arturo Navarro-Martin
Berardino De Bari
Susana Gonzalez-Larragan
Jon Cacicedo
Source :
Cacicedo, J, Navarro-Martin, A, Gonzalez-Larragan, S, de Bari, B, Salem, A & Dahele, M 2020, ' Systematic review of educational interventions to improve contouring in radiotherapy ', Radiotherapy and Oncology, vol. 144, pp. 86-92 . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radonc.2019.11.004
Publication Year :
2020

Abstract

Background and purpose Contouring is a critical step in the radiotherapy process, but there is limited research on how to teach it and no consensus about the best method. We summarize the current evidence regarding improvement of contouring skills. Methods and materials Comprehensive literature search of the Pubmed-MEDLINE database, EMBASE database and Cochrane Library to identify relevant studies (independently examined by two investigators) that included baseline contouring followed by a re-contouring assessment after an educational intervention. Results 598 papers were identified. 16 studies met the inclusion criteria representing 370 participants (average number of participants per study of 23; range (4–141). Regarding the teaching methodology, 5/16 used onsite courses, 8/16 online courses, and 2/16 used blended learning. Study quality was heterogenous. There were only 3 randomized studies and only 3 analyzed the dosimetric impact of improving contouring homogeneity. Dice similarity coefficient was the most common evaluation metric (7/16), and in all these studies at least some contours improved significantly post-intervention. The time frame for evaluating the learning effect of the teaching intervention was almost exclusively short-time, with only one study evaluating the long-term utility of the educational program beyond 6 months. Conclusion The literature on educational interventions designed to improve contouring performance is limited and heterogenous. Onsite, online and blended learning courses have all been shown to be helpful, however, sample sizes are small and impact assessment is almost exclusively short-term and typically does not take into account the effect on treatment planning. The most effective teaching methodology/format is unknown and impact on daily clinical practice is uncertain.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
01678140
Volume :
144
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Radiotherapy and Oncology
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....56df12fbdf956f064bee10454c542176
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radonc.2019.11.004