S2812
RTT - RTT education, training, and advanced practice
ESTRO 2026
population of 1.9 million and devolved healthcare governance. It focuses on how advanced clinical practice (ACP) roles like NMP-TRs can address challenges related to limited workforce and resources, ultimately enhancing service delivery, patient access to medicines and workforce efficiency. Material/Methods: A case study design1 was used across two radiotherapy centres in N.I., each representing a different service delivery model: a hybrid model (both NMP-TRs and medical prescribers, site 1) and a medical-light model (NMP-TR-led, site 2). The research adopted a mixed-methods approach, combining prescriber audits (to assess medicine management), patient surveys (to measure satisfaction, access and understanding), patient interviews (to explore experiences), and team member interviews (to gauge perceptions of NMP-TR roles and interprofessional collaboration). Quantitative data were analysed descriptively, while qualitative data underwent Reflexive Thematic Analysis2. Results: At site 1, 73.3% of consultation activities took place, compared to 26.7% at site 2 (Table 1). The introduction of NMP-TRs led to improved service delivery, greater access to medications and increased workforce efficiency. Patients reported high satisfaction and confidence in NMP-TRs, valuing their expertise and support. In terms of prescriber preference, most patients were neutral; 10.3% preferred doctors, 28.2% favoured NMP-TRs, with the majority expressing no strong preference. At site 2, where NMP-TRs led the service, patients noted clearer communication and more detailed medication information. NMP-TRs’ proactive medication management and adherence monitoring contributed to streamlined care, shorter waiting times, enhanced continuity, reduced anxiety and better symptom control.Team member interviews indicated that NMP- TRs eased pressure on medical staff, improved workflow and enabled faster clinical decisions. Their advanced skills facilitated better resource allocation and widened patient access, an important consideration in resource-limited settings. However, challenges included psychological stress and adapting from protocol-driven radiography to autonomous
radiotherapy.
Conclusion: This review defines radiation therapist research as a coherent, multidisciplinary field bridging clinical science, technology and professional inquiry. By consolidating two decades of global evidence, it provides the first explicit framework for the RTT research identity, one that supports curriculum design, institutional strategy and international policy. Embedding this framework within ESTRO and national society agendas will strengthen research capability, accelerate translation and position RTTs as pivotal contributors to patient outcomes, safety and value- based cancer care. Keywords: radiation therapist, research identity References: Aggarwal A et al. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2018; 102(2):403–412. Higgins J et al. J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol. 2011; 55(6):593–599. Duffton A, Li W, Forde E. Clin Oncol. 2020; 32(12):824–833. Leech M et al. Clin Transl Radiat Oncol. 2024; 52:102099. Beldham-Collins R et al. Radiography. 2025; 31:103120. Marr C et al. TIPSRO. 2025; 100351. Halkett G KB et al. J Med Radiat Sci. 2017; 64(3):185–194. Implementation and impact of non-medical prescribing by therapeutic radiographers in radiotherapy services: Insights for small state healthcare system Karen T Crowther 1 , Sonyia McFadden 1 , Nicola Carey 2 , Judith Edwards 3 , Ciara Hughes 1 1 School of Health Sciences, Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Ulster University, Belfast, United Kingdom. 2 Centre for Rural Health Sciences, University of The Highlands And Islands, Inverness, United Kingdom. 3 Centre for Primary Care, Queen Mary, University of London, London, United Kingdom Purpose/Objective: This study explores the implementation and impact of non-medical prescribing by therapeutic radiographers (NMP-TRs) within radiotherapy services in Northern Ireland (N.I.), a small state healthcare system with a Digital Poster 406
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