International audit of simulation use in pre-registration medical radiation science training

IntroductionSimulation-based education (SBE) can replicate the challenging aspects of real-world clinical environments, while providing a safe and less intimidating setting. Literature supports its use within medical radiation science (MRS) training for safe practice of psychomotor skills, development of problem solving, team working, interpersonal and decision-making skills and embedding awareness of patient safety. This project aimed to quantify usage of SBE resources and activities internationally and to evaluate how this changed during COVID-19 restrictions.MethodsAn anonymous online survey tool gathered data relating to programme demographics, simulation resources, simulation activities and future plans. A link to the survey was distributed to programme leads via social media, professional bodies and national networks.ResultsA total of 72 responses were received from a range of countries and representing a range of programme structures. Most respondents reported up to 100 h of SBE per student per year with low fidelity resources and image viewing software featuring most prominently. There was low reported engagement of service users within simulation activities. Respondents also indicated that COVID-19 had been a trigger for rapid uptake of simulation resources.ConclusionSBE forms an important aspect of MRS training internationally with low-fidelity resources being widely deployed. Where available, high fidelity virtual reality and specialised profession-specific resources were used heavily. There was a low level of reported engagement with service users or expert patients in simulation activities. Future research will identify whether the rapid uptake of SBE during COVID-19 continues and clarify the role of service users in SBE provision.Implications for practiceIncreased collaboration between MRS education providers may help to improve parity of SBE provision and identify additional opportunities to engage service users within SBE.     

Radiotherapy-specific interprofessional learning through simulation

IntroductionInterprofessional learning (IPL) is a vital aspect of training in radiation oncology professions, yet is rarely delivered to those professionals who work most closely together in clinical practice. Scenario-based learning using simulation facilities provides a unique opportunity to facilitate this learning and this project aimed to determine the impact and value of this initiative.MethodsSmall groups comprising post-graduate diploma pre-registration therapeutic radiographers, medical physics trainees and radiation oncology registrars were challenged with 4 plausible and challenging radiotherapy scenarios within an academic simulation centre. Pre- and post-event completion of the “Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale” measured impact and a Likert-style survey gathered feedback from participants.ResultsThe session increased participants' teamwork and collaboration skills as well as strengthening professional identities. Participants reported high levels of enjoyment related to collaborative working, communication and observing other professionals deploying their technical skills and specialist knowledge.ConclusionAlthough beneficial, simulated scenarios offering equal opportunities for engagement across the professions are challenging to plan and timetabling issues between the 3 groups present significant difficulties. The safe environment and unique opportunity for these groups to learn together was particularly well received and future oncology-specific simulated scenario sessions are planned with larger cohorts.Implications for practiceSimulated scenario training can be used to improve team working across the radiotherapy interprofessional team and may have wider use in other specialist interdisciplinary team development.     

Interprofessional education (IPE) in medical radiation science: A scoping review

IntroductionInterprofessional education (IPE) in medical radiation education is designed to enhance both student and longer-term patient outcomes. This scoping review aims to provide an overview of the available evidence and examine the effectiveness of IPE strategies used to enhance the development of medical radiation science (MRS) students.MethodsMedline, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and Emcare were searched for articles which employed an experimental study design to quantitatively assess the effectiveness of IPE for MRS students. Two reviewers screened and extracted relevant data independently. Critical appraisal was conducted using the JBI critical appraisal tool.ResultsEighteen studies were included in this review. Diverse approaches to IPE were discovered, particularly in terms of the method of delivery, setting and duration of interventions. MRS students interact with many professions, particularly medical doctors and nurses. All studies which employed a control arm demonstrated statistically positive findings favoring IPE intervention(s). In pre-post studies, most IPE interventions reported significant positive differences after IPE was implemented. This entailed an enhanced perceived knowledge and understanding of other professions, and ability to undertake their role in the team.ConclusionIPE was shown to be effective in enhancing students’ perceptions and attitudes and to a limited extent, improve knowledge acquisition. Future research should assess long-term effects and patient-related outcomes.Implications for practiceIPE in a variety of formats demonstrates positive results for MRS students; however, interventions which are longer-term, conducted in small groups, and performed earlier in the educational pathway, may demonstrate greater effectiveness.     

Application of intensity-modulated radiation therapy for pediatric malignancies

Novel radiation therapy delivery techniques have moved very slowly in the field of pediatric oncology. Some collaborative groups allow new radiation therapy delivery techniques in their trials. In many instances, the option of using these techniques is not addressed. These newer techniques of radiation delivery have the potential to reduce the probability of the common late effects of radiation and at the same time, potentially improve upon control and survival. The purpose of this study is to show the feasibility of IMRT in pediatric patients. No treatment results or toxicities will be presented. Five patients with a variety of pediatric malignancies received intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) at our institution as part of their disease management. A rigid immobilization device was developed for each patient and a computed tomography (CT) simulation was performed in the treatment position. In 3 of the patients, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were coregistered with the planning CT to facilitate target and critical structure delineation. In all but 1 patient, coplanar beam arrangements were used in the IMRT planning process. All IMRT plans exhibited a high degree of conformality. Dose homogeneity inside the tumor and rapid dose falloff outside the target volume is characteristic of IMRT plans, which allows for improved normal tissue sparing. Dose distributions were obtained for all plans, as well as dose and volume relationship histograms, to evaluate the fitness of the plans. IMRT is a viable alternative to conventional treatment techniques for pediatric cancer patients. The improved dose distributions coupled with the ease of delivery of the IMRT fields make this technique very attractive, especially in view of the potential to increase local control and possibly improve on survival.     

Application of intensity-modulated radiation therapy for pediatric malignancies

Novel radiation therapy delivery techniques have moved very slowly in the field of pediatric oncology. Some collaborative groups allow new radiation therapy delivery techniques in their trials. In many instances, the option of using these techniques is not addressed. These newer techniques of radiation delivery have the potential to reduce the probability of the common late effects of radiation and at the same time, potentially improve upon control and survival. The purpose of this study is to show the feasibility of IMRT in pediatric patients. No treatment results or toxicities will be presented. Five patients with a variety of pediatric malignancies received intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) at our institution as part of their disease management. A rigid immobilization device was developed for each patient and a computed tomography (CT) simulation was performed in the treatment position. In 3 of the patients, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were coregistered with the planning CT to facilitate target and critical structure delineation. In all but 1 patient, coplanar beam arrangements were used in the IMRT planning process. All IMRT plans exhibited a high degree of conformality. Dose homogeneity inside the tumor and rapid dose falloff outside the target volume is characteristic of IMRT plans, which allows for improved normal tissue sparing. Dose distributions were obtained for all plans, as well as dose and volume relationship histograms, to evaluate the fitness of the plans. IMRT is a viable alternative to conventional treatment techniques for pediatric cancer patients. The improved dose distributions coupled with the ease of delivery of the IMRT fields make this technique very attractive, especially in view of the potential to increase local control and possibly improve on survival.     

高压氧对迟发性放射损伤的作用

放射疗法是一种对肿瘤和周围正常组织均有显著作用的物理疗法,在放疗的同时,不可避免地会损伤正常组织导致放射损伤,特别是迟发性放射损伤,这将严重影响患者的生存质量。随着时间的推移迟发性放射损伤会发展得更加严重,甚至致死,因此限制了临床治疗时的放射剂量,目前这一问题并未得到解决。笔者主要就高压氧治疗对迟发性放射损伤的影响作一综述。     

CTSim: Changing teaching practice in radiography with simulation

IntroductionSimulation offers radiography students the possibility to experiment with Computed Tomography (CT) in a way not possible in clinical practice. The aim of this work was to test a newly developed simulator ‘CTSim’ for effectiveness in teaching and learning.MethodsThe simulator was tested in two phases. The first phase used a test-retest methodology with two groups, a group that experienced a Simulation based learning intervention and one which did not. The second phase subsequently tested for changes when the same intervention was introduced as part of an existing CT training module.ResultsPhase 1 demonstrated statistically significant improvement of mean scores from 58% to 68% (P < .05) for students who experienced the intervention against no change in scores for the control group. Phase 2 saw mean scores improve statistically significantly in a teaching module from 66% to 73% (P < .05) following the application of the intervention as an active learning component.ConclusionThe use of the CTSim simulator had a demonstrable effect on student learning when used as an active learning component in CT teaching.Implications for practiceSimulation tools have a place in enhancing teaching and learning in terms of effectiveness and also introduce variety in the medium by which this is done.     

我国放射医学本科人才培养现状分析与发展思考

放射医学属于临床医学类专业，主要培养从事肿瘤放射治疗、核医学、放射性职业病诊疗、辐射防护、核与辐射事故医学应急的专业人才。截至2022年，全国共有9所高校开展放射医学本科人才培养。本文结合我国放射医学人才需求与学科发展趋势，分析了放射医学的专业地位、专业建设、师资队伍建设方面的不足，提出通过成立放射医学人才培养的全国性组织来提升专业地位，树立"新医科"发展理念来顺应放射医学交叉融合的发展趋势，依托互联网技术来建设放射医学优质教学资源，并健全基层教学组织，从而适应未来放射医学发展的需要。     

Real-time dosimetry in external beam radiation therapy

With growing complexity in radiotherapy treatment delivery, it has become mandatory to check each and every treatment plan before implementing clinically. This process is currently administered by an independent secondary check of all treatment parameters and as a pre-treatment quality assurance (QA) check for intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy treatment plans. Although pre-treatment IMRT QA is aimed to ensure the correct dose is delivered to the patient, it does not necessarily predict the clinically relevant patient dose errors. During radiotherapy, treatment uncertainties can affect tumor control and may increase complications to surrounding normal tissues. To combat this, image guided radiotherapy is employed to help ensure the plan conditions are mimicked on the treatment machine. However, it does not provide information on actual delivered dose to the tumor volume. Knowledge of actual dose delivered during treatment aid in confirming the prescribed dose and also to replan/reassess the treatment in situations where the planned dose is not delivered as expected by the treating physician. Major accidents in radiotherapy would have been averted if real time dosimetry is incorporated as part of the routine radiotherapy procedure. Of late real-time dosimetry is becoming popular with complex treatments in radiotherapy. Real-time dosimetry can be either in the form of point doses or planar doses or projected on to a 3D image dataset to obtain volumetric dose. They either provide entrance dose or exit dose or dose inside the natural cavities of a patient. In external beam radiotherapy, there are four different established platforms whereby the delivered dose information can be obtained: (1) Collimator; (2) Patient; (3) Couch; and (4) Electronic Portal Imaging Device. Current real-time dosimetric techniques available in radiotherapy have their own advantages and disadvantages and a combination of one or more of these methods provide vital information about the actual dose delivered to radiotherapy patients.     

前列腺癌放射治疗进展

现代计算机技术推动医学影像技术高速发展,高水平的图像技术又推动放射治疗计划系统进入到更复杂、更高水平。放射治疗计划的设计由原来的二维图像和人工计算发展到了X射线图像和复杂的计算机运算。在治疗过程中,由于肿瘤代谢、抗原的差别,已经考虑到其与正常组织不同的生物学变量,使执行治疗计划时更加精确,如摆位误差、器官运动等已被全面系统地考虑,故又称四维放射治疗。     

纳米粒子在协同光动力放射治疗中的作用

重点阐述了一种全新的治疗手段:利用纳米粒子将放射治疗同光动力治疗相结合。该方法不仅可以解决光动力治疗仅适用于体表疾病的局限,从而提高光动力治疗的疗效;还可以在保证治疗效果的同时降低放疗剂量,有效地控制放疗后并发症的发生,为肿瘤治疗开辟新的篇章。     

PACS/RIS系统在放射科工作流程优化中的作用

目的:探讨应用医学影像存档与通信系统(picture archiving and communication system,PACS)在医院放射科工作流程优化中的作用。方法:将放射科数字成像设备纳入PACS系统,将传统放射科工作流程与应用PACS后工作流程比较。结果:应用PACS工作流程后减少工作步骤,缩短报告发出时间,降低错误率。结论:应用PACS后明显提高了放射科的工作效率,方便了医疗、教学、科研和会诊,提高了医院的社会效益和经济效益。     

The use of simulation and moulage in undergraduate diagnostic radiography education: A burns scenario

IntroductionThere is a national drive to increase allied health professions simulation training. However, there is a paucity of literature within diagnostic radiography in relation to clinical simulation. No research could be found regarding the impact of simulation in radiography with complex clinical burns scenarios.This research aims to explore the perceptions of radiography undergraduate students regarding their preparedness for the complex care requirements in imaging examinations of clinical burns cases using a mixed methods approach.MethodA small-scale simulation-based teaching session was developed in a Scottish HEI, using role play and moulage to create realism. Twenty-eight undergraduate student radiographers participated in the scenario. Students completed pre and post-scenario questionnaires using Likert scale and free response data. Focus groups were undertaken three months after the simulation to obtain rich qualitative data. Common themes were identified via a process of initial coding and a 6-phase thematic analysis.ResultsThematic analysis demonstrated a marked increased perception of preparedness post-scenario; students felt more prepared to undertake their role in the imaging of complex care patients (Likert scoring increased with both mode and median post-scenario). Common themes that were identified were patient centeredness, realism and learning.ConclusionWithin this limited pilot project, the use of simulation was an effective means of preparing students to understand their role within the complex care setting (with respect to the traumatic realism of burns) in preparedness for professional practice. Additionally, students related to the practical understanding of the complexity of human factors that exist within clinical practice.     

Computer based simulation in CT and MRI radiography education: Current role and future opportunities

ObjectiveThe use of Computer-based simulation (CBS), a form of simulation which utilises digital and web based platforms, is widely acknowledged in healthcare education. This literature review explores the current evidence relating to CBS activities in supporting radiographer education in CT and MRI.Key findingsJournal articles published between 2010 and 2020 were reviewed (n = 663). The content was evaluated and summarised with the following headings; current utility, overview of CBS types, knowledge acquisition and evaluation, and student perspective.CBS utility in CT and MRI radiography education is limited. Its current use is for pre-registration education, and the interfaces used vary in design but are predominantly used as a preclinical learning tool to support the training of geometric scan planning, image acquisition and reconstruction, and associated technical skills. CBS was positively acknowledged by student radiographers; based on its inherent flexibility, self-paced learning and the ability to practice in a safe environment. Nonetheless, the educational validation of CBS in CT and MRI education pertaining to knowledge and skill acquisition has not been fully assessed through rigorous academic assessments and metrics.ConclusionThe current use of CBS in CT and MRI education is limited. The development of software programmes with functionality and capability that correlates with current clinical practice is imperative; and to enable more research in CBS utility to be undertaken to establish the efficacy of this pedagogical approach.Implications for practiceDue to limited placement opportunities, the use of simulation is increasing and evolving; in line with the approach to design and deliver high quality Simulation Based Education (SBE) in Diagnostic Radiography education. The continued development, utility and evaluation of CBS interfaces to support student radiographers at pre and post registration level is therefore essential.     

调强适形放射治疗剂量验证中CT密度值的校准分析

目的 基于调强适形放射治疗(IMRT)验证体模,分析放射治疗计划系统中CT密度转换曲线在IMRT剂量验证中的影响,并加以校准.方法　利用CT电子密度体模刻度计划系统中的CT密度转换曲线,取12例鼻咽癌患者的IMRT计划,分别移植至IMRT验证体模,计算剂量分布,并于剂量均匀处放置测量点,利用电离室测量出其实际剂量.将I...     

Unusual behavior of foreign body granuloma that grew rapidly in the radiation field during radiation therapy

We report our experience with two cases of a rapidly growing benign tumor in the radiation field despite radiotherapy. Case 1 was a 75-year-old man who was diagnosed as having postoperative recurrence of esophageal carcinoma in the right chest wall and underwent radiotherapy. A small nodule in the recurrent lesion grew to 20 mm in diameter at 70 Gy. The biopsy specimen was diagnosed as foreign body granuloma (FBG) with no malignancy. Case 2 was a 78-year-old woman who was diagnosed with axillary lymph node metastases of operated lung cancer and underwent lymphadenectomy and postoperative radiotherapy. No subcutaneous tumor was seen at the beginning of radiotherapy. However, a small nodule appeared in the radiation field at 40 Gy, and it had grown to 30 mm in diameter at 70 Gy. The biopsy specimen was diagnosed as FBG, showing granulation because of a remnant of surgical suture. Both FBGs disappeared within 3–6 months after radiotherapy. In cases in which a tumor has arisen from a site where surgical treatment had been performed and the tumor shows unnatural growth despite radiotherapy, FBG should be considered in the differential diagnosis.     

Interventional radiology simulation: prepare for a virtual revolution in training

It is becoming increasingly difficult to learn interventional radiology (IR) skills because there are fewer "straightforward" invasive diagnostic imaging studies, a reduction in the time available for training, concerns about patient safety, and changing patient perceptions. Computer-based simulation has the potential to allow an operator to realistically perform a virtual procedure with feedback about performance and could remove at least some of the patient's role during the learning curve. To do this effectively requires a strategy for integrating simulator models into curricula and the development of standards for their validation.