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The utilisation of VERT™ in the training of Image-Guided Radiotherapy for therapeutic radiographers

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 October 2020

Adele Stewart-Lord Open the ORCID record for Adele Stewart-Lord [Opens in a new window] ,
Thomas Swayne ,
Rebecca Johnson ,
Innocent Neshiri ,
Julius Gnanamoney  and
Bronwyn Van Blerk
Adele Stewart-Lord*
Affiliation:
London South Bank University, London, UK
Thomas Swayne
Affiliation:
Vertual Ltd., Kent, UK
Rebecca Johnson
Affiliation:
London South Bank University, London, UK
Innocent Neshiri
Affiliation:
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, Kent, UK
Julius Gnanamoney
Affiliation:
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, Kent, UK
Bronwyn Van Blerk
Affiliation:
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, Kent, UK
*
Author for correspondence: Adele Stewart-Lord, London South Bank University, 103 Borough Road, London, SE1 0AA, UK. E-mail: stewara2@lsbu.ac.uk
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Abstract

Aim:

The overall aim of this study was to evaluate the use of Virtual Environment for Radiotherapy Training Image-Guided Radiotherapy (VERT™IGRT) as a teaching and assessment tool for 3D image matching competency within the radiotherapy clinical setting and explore radiographer perceptions, experiences and integration of VERT™IGRT as an imaging tool.

Materials and methods:

A mixed-methods study was utilised to measure clinical image matching competencies in the first quantitative phase through means of a workbook and imaging assessment. Phase II used qualitative semi-structured interviews to explore radiographer perceptions.

Results:

Workbooks enabled participants to prepare for image assessments. Interview findings were highlighted in three distinctive themes: (1) The need for supervision, guidance and feedback; (2) Experience and practice leads to confidence and competence and (3) Technology supports process but not evaluation.

Findings:

VERT™IGRT provides a sound platform for training therapeutic radiographer image matching skills, but needs to be delivered with continuous feedback to develop individual decision-making skills. The technology provides opportunities for staff to increase confidence in utilsing image matching technology, but analytical and evaluation skills require supervision and continuous feedback which should be embedded in any educational training programme.

Keywords

educationIGRTimage guidanceimage matchingskill developmentVERT
Type
Original Article
Information
Journal of Radiotherapy in Practice , Volume 21 , Issue 1 , March 2022 , pp. 88 - 91
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Copyright
© The Author(s), 2020. Published by Cambridge University Press

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