S2830
RTT - RTT education, training, and advanced practice
ESTRO 2026
Conclusion: Persistent misconceptions and substantial training gaps suggest that current education for RTTs is insufficient to address the needs of autistic individuals. Given the high levels of dissatisfaction reported by autistic patients and the associated increased mortality risk, targeted autism-specific education is essential. Developing structured training that addresses misconceptions, builds confidence, and equips RTTs with practical strategies is critical to delivering equitable, person-centred, and inclusive radiation therapy. Keywords: RTT education, Neurodivergent, Inclusive practice References: 1.Mason D et al. Barriers and facilitators to physical healthcare access for autistic adults. J Autism Dev Disord. 2019;49(8):3387–3400.2.Rydzewska E et al. General health of adults with autism spectrum disorders: population cross-sectional study. Res Autism Spectr Disord. 2019;60:59–66.3.AsIAm. Same Chance Report. Dublin: Ireland’s Autism Charity; 2025.4.Corden K, Brewer R, Cage E. Healthcare professionals’ knowledge and attitudes toward autistic people. Rev J Autism Dev Disord. 2022;9(3):386– 399.5.Flynn S et al. Caring for cancer patients with intellectual disability. Eur J Oncol Nurs. 2015;19(5):568– 574 Innovating together: three years of iterative artificial intelligence radiotherapy education for Radiation Therapists Meegan Shepherd 1,2 , Kenton Thompson 3,4 , Scott Jones 5 , Julie O'Shaughnessey 6 , Alexandra Grimshaw 7 , Dr Cathy Hargrave 5,8 1 Northern Sydney Cancer Centre, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, Australia. 2 Monash University, Monash University, Clayton, Australia. 3 Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia. 4 Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia. 5 Radiation Oncology Princess Alexandra Hospital, QLD Health, Brisbane, Australia. 6 Curtin University, Curtin University, Perth, Australia. 7 W.P Holman Clinic,, Royal Hobart Hospital, Hobart, Australia. 8 Queensland University of Technology, Faculty of Health, School of Clinical Sciences, QLD, Australia Purpose/Objective: The landscape of radiation therapy (RT) has undergone rapid transformation with the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, fundamentally altering planning, delivery and quality Poster Discussion 2835
Purpose/Objective: Autistic individuals experience persistent barriers when accessing healthcare, including communication differences, sensory sensitivities, and systemic bias [1].
These challenges contribute to poorer health outcomes and increase premature mortality
compared with neurotypical populations [2]. Research further reports that autistic adults have approximately twice the risk of early death from neoplasms [2]. In Ireland, the AsIAm Same Chance Report (2026) found that 71% of autistic individuals were dissatisfied with healthcare services, describing them as non-inclusive and inaccessible [3]. Despite these disparities, autism- specific training for healthcare professionals remains inconsistent, leading to variable confidence, knowledge, and preparedness when supporting autistic individuals [4]. Radiation therapy is a core component of modern cancer care, and it is therefore likely that similar challenges arise within radiotherapy environments, where patients may encounter complex sensory settings and time-pressured workflows. However, the preparedness of Radiation Therapists (RTTs) to support autistic individuals in clinical practice remains unknown. Aim: To examine RTTs’ misconceptions, perspectives, and educational needs when supporting autistic individuals. Material/Methods: An anonymous cross-sectional survey was distributed globally to qualified RTTs. The instrument assessed misconceptions using ten evidence-based misconception statements reported in the literature. A literature-adapted clinical vignette evaluated participants’ perspectives on a realistic RT scenario involving an autistic patient [5]. Educational needs were examined through a structured training needs analysis. Additional open-ended questions explored participants’ views in greater depth. Results: A total of 76 RTTs participated. Prevalence of misconceptions was low; however, several key misconceptions persisted. Notably, 54% perceived autism primarily as a communication disorder, and 51% believed that autistic individuals inherently dislike physical touch. Participants also reported limited confidence when engaging with autistic patients (54%) and felt underprepared, citing insufficient knowledge (64.5%). In the vignette, 75% indicated they would rely on the caregiver, and 93.4% believed multidisciplinary support would be required. Qualitative findings supported these results, with many participants expressing uncertainty about best-practice approaches. Most respondents (97%) reported no formal autism-specific education, and 84% identified clear training gaps. Educational opportunities were strongly supported, with preferences for online modules (94.7%) and interactive workshops (77.6%).
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