S2840
RTT - RTT education, training, and advanced practice
ESTRO 2026
Material/Methods: Both universities equally informed aims, methods and survey instruments; with ethical approval granted by each university for assessing own students. Convenience sampling and a mixed- methods approach was adopted.Quantitative data was collected through online surveys using Likert- scales and open-ended qualitative questions. Resilience was assessed using Connor-Davidson Resilience Scales (CD-RISC10)2, and PCC through an adapted AHS approach3. In-depth qualitative data (under thematic analysis) is being collected through focus groups. Sample descriptive statistics are presented here for current quantitative data and thematic analysis of survey qualitative results from 11 final-year students. Results: Here we show cumulative results - e.g. summing ‘True nearly all the time+often true’ [TROF] for Resilience questions; and ‘always+usually’ [ALUS] for PCC.For the CD-RISC10 ‘flexibility’ measure (ability to adapt/bounce back), TROF scores were 72.7%-81.8%; for ‘self- efficacy’, (dealing with stress/issues/life’s challenges), TROF scores ranged from 54.5%-81.8%; the lowest regarding ‘coping with stress makes one stronger’. For PCC, ALUS scores were a minimum of 81.8% for questions such as ‘following up patients’ concerns’ and ‘including patients in healthcare decisions’; but 100% for ‘listening carefully to patients’ and ‘treating patients with courtesy’.Qualitative data from survey questions asked for examples when students demonstrated resilience. Initial coding identified three emerging themes: Patients, Personal Circumstances and Clinical Assessments. Figure 1 shows a sample. On-going focus group data will provide richer, in-depth qualitative data; but initial themes here appear to align with preliminary focus group data collected thus far; to be reported fully in due course.
boundaries appropriately when risk was implied (median=5, IQR=4-5). Privacy compliance was universally confirmed (median=5, IQR=5-5), and 89% of participants would recommend RAYA for patient use (1 neutral; 1 not in its current form, preferring stronger escalation language). Thematic feedback (85% positive) emphasised empathy, clarity accessibility and constructive comments on escalation phrasing and response consistency were identified (Figure 2).
Conclusion: A trained AI chatbot (RAYA) can safely deliver empathetic, source cited radiotherapy information. In this feasibility study, this chatbot showed high acceptability and safety, enhancing access to clear, consistent information. Further development will include usability, and large scale evaluation. Keywords: Patient, Communication, Innovation
Digital Poster 4679
UK final-year undergraduate results from a cross- continental study on Radiation Therapy students’ perceptions of Resilience and Patient-centred Care Lauren Oliver 1 , Brian Chwyl 2 , Jen Dewhurst 2 , Dennis Weber 2 , Bridget Porritt 1 , Mike Kirby 1,3 1 School of Allied Health Professions and Nursing, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom. 2 Oncology Department, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. 3 School of Medical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom Purpose/Objective: Radiation therapists (RTTs) work in busy, time- pressured departments for which burnout is a known challenge with lasting impact. Associated risk factors include emotional tiredness, personal performance and staff shortages1. ‘Resilience’ is considered a safeguard against burnout; needed by qualified and student RTTs for good healthcare practices. However, little research exists exploring potential links between resilience and patient-centred care (PCC) – something which this study has been designed to assess at Liverpool and Alberta Universities for RTT students; to help inform curriculum development and student support.
Conclusion: Although still on-going at both universities, initial study results reflect very good resilience - over 60% TROF scores for 70% of the questions – and also very good PCC (over 70% ALUS scores for all questions). Qualitatively, survey responses indicate that third-year students currently practice resilience, both personally and professionally. A full analysis of qualitative
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