Education and training for intensity-modulated radiotherapy in the UK.

Abstract

A growing body of evidence as to the benefits of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) has led to the recommendation for its adoption as a treatment option for cancer patients within the UK. Routine clinical implementation of this technology has been slow. One of the causal factors was identified as being the need to improve confidence by improving the understanding and technical skills for IMRT of clinical oncology staff. This report determines and describes the additional knowledge and skills required for IMRT practice for clinical oncologists, clinical scientists (radiotherapy physicists) and radiographers, derived from reviewing evidence from other nations' IMRT practices and adapting them to UK needs. This knowledge and skills specification can be used to inform IMRT educational curricula. Novel educational methods to maintain the required understanding and skills are also described.