S2834
RTT - RTT education, training, and advanced practice
ESTRO 2026
the CTU, and one student did not report a change. All students (100%, n=5) would recommend a placement in a CTU. Four key themes emerged from the qualitative responses: No Key themes Quotes: 1 Expanded role of RTTs Student 2: “they oversee the whole pathway from recruitment, to organising reviews, booking scans, organising bloods, collecting drugs from pharmacy and all documentation” 2 Multidisciplinary communication and teamwork Student 4: “I’ve learned that therapists act as a key link between patients, oncologists, and the research team ... This experience has shown me how much communication and teamwork matter in clinical trials.” 3 Protocol management and data integrity Student 3: “RTTs ensure that trial protocols are clearly understood and consistently applied. RTTs contribute to accurate trial documentation, including patient compliance, treatment timelines, and observed toxicities”. 4 Patient centered care Student 4: “...helping to explain the process to patients, supporting them, and ensuring they understand what participation in a trial means” Conclusion: The placement in the CTU was strongly endorsed by students. They gained valuable insights into both the technical and interpersonal aspects of the multifaced role. Next steps are to co-design a core CTU placement with relevant stakeholders such as research RTTs, patients, academic staff, and students. Keywords: research, clinical trials, placement References: Gambling T, Brown P, Hogg P. Research in our practice – a requirement not an option: Discussion paper. Radiography 2003; 9: 71–6Braun, V., & Clarke, V. Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 2006; 3(2), 77– 101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa Therapeutic radiographer experiences of research capacity, capability and culture in NHS Wales: An evaluation study. Catherine Matthams 1 , Dr Robert Appleyard 2 , Dr Lenira Semedo 3 , Dr Amy Hancock 4 1 Radiotherapy Department, Velindre Cancer Service, Cardiff, United Kingdom. 2 College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, United Kingdom. 3 School of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom. 4 University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom Purpose/Objective: Embedding research informed practice within therapeutic radiography is essential for advancing Digital Poster 3465
Application of the described IGRT methods on a linear accelerator with CBCT enabled delivery of ablative doses in patients with PDAC with an excellent safety profile. The algorithm (figure 1) facilitated interprofessionally a robust and fast matching process, confirmed by good tolerance results of SBRT. Keywords: IGRT, SBRT, upper abdomen Digital Poster 3133 The introduction of a clinical trials placement for pre-registration radiation therapy students. Theresa O' Donovan 1 , Sarah Donovan 2 , Debra O'Hare 2 , Ella O' Sullivan 2 , Rebecca O' Donovan 3 , Roisin O Maolalai 4 , Aisling Barry 1,5 , Annemarie Devine 1 1 Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy, School of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland. 2 Cancer Trials Cork, Glandore Centre, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland. 3 St Luke’s Radiation Oncology Network, St. Luke's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. 4 Irish Research Radiation Oncology Group, IRROG, Dublin, Ireland. 5 Cancer Research @ UCC, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland Purpose/Objective: Research is fundamental to guiding evidence-based practice, ensuring that patients receive high-quality treatment [1]. Radiation Therapists (RTTs) play a pivotal role in this process by supporting the delivery and coordination of clinical trials, bridging research, and practice to improve outcomes. Despite this, student exposure to clinical research processes is limited during training. Early engagement can enhance understanding of RTT’s contribution to evidence-based practice. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of an introductory clinical trials unit (CTU) placement on pre- registration radiation therapy students. Material/Methods: This quasi-experimental study involved first-year MSc Radiation Therapy students (n = 11), of whom five participated due to placement duration. A pre- and post-intervention questionnaire was administered to assess students’ knowledge of the role of the RTT in clinical trials. The intervention consisted of a one-hour tutorial facilitated by a CTU RTT, followed by a one-day observational placement in a CTU. The questionnaires evaluated changes in understanding and perceptions of RTT involvement in clinical research. Descriptive statistics were used to compare pre- and post- intervention responses. Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis approach was used to analyse qualitative responses [2]. Results: Most students (80%, n=4) demonstrated an improvement in familiarity with the role of the RTT in
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