ESTRO 2026 - Abstract Book PART I

S1348

Interdisciplinary - Education in radiation oncology

ESTRO 206

Elisa Marconi 1 , Elisa Meldolesi 2 , Silvia Mariani 2 , Lucrezia Bernabucci 2 , Veronica Pollutri 2 , Chiara Elia 2 , Sara Iacovone 2 , Gabriele Turco 2 , Nicola Dinapoli 2 , Mariangela Massaccesi 2 , Loredana Dinapoli 1 , Bruno Fionda 2 , Antonella Guido 3 , Giulia Zucchetti 4 , Angela Mastronuzzi 5 , Antonio Ruggiero 3 , Luca Tagliaferri 2 , Daniela Pia Rosaria Chieffo 6 , Maria Antonietta Gambacorta 7 , Silvia Chiesa 2 1 Clinical Psychology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy. 2 Radiation Oncology Unit, Diagnostic Imaging and Radiation Oncology Department, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy. 3 Pediatric Oncology Unit, Department of Woman, Child and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy. 4 Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Division, Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital, Turin, Italy. 5 Department of Onco-hematology, Gene and Cell Therapy, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù IRCCS, Rome, Italy. 6 Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy. 7 Diagnostic Imaging and Radiation Oncology Department, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy Purpose/Objective: The Multidimensional Assessment for Pediatric Patients in Radiotherapy (M.A.P.-RT) tool, developed within the RADAR Project, is designed to systematically collect and integrate clinical, psychological, social, and treatment-related data. Its initial validation demonstrated high predictive accuracy for sedation needs during radiotherapy in children. Building on this evidence, the current study explores its broader application for assessing individual and age-related needs in paediatric patients undergoing radiotherapy. Material/Methods: A total of 228 paediatric patients (130 males and 98 females) treated with radiotherapy were assessed using the M.A.P.-RT tool at treatment initiation. Data collection included psychological well-being, coping strategies, social support, treatment experience, and clinical indicators. Patients were stratified by gender and by age group: children (C, ≤ 11 years) and adolescents/young adults (AYA, >12 years). Multivariate analyses were conducted to explore associations between demographic variables, treatment parameters, and psychosocial indicators. Results: Preliminary findings show meaningful gender- and age-related differences in the multidimensional profiles of paediatric radiotherapy patients. Among the preliminary findings, the most relevant patterns concern gender- and age-related differences. Female patients reported significantly lower scores on items related to psychological problems before cancer

competition mixing quizzes, clinical cases, and practical skills to foster engagement and teamwork.Breaking Bad News Simulation, a structured communication module based on the SPIKES framework, enabling trainees to practice delivering difficult news with empathy, clarity, and professionalism.Evaluation relied on pre/post-tests and satisfaction surveys among residents and externs in oncology, radiotherapy, and pharmacy. Results: Prostate Brachytherapy Simulation: Twelve oncologists participated; 66% were women and 75% were first- time simulation users. 100% acquired new procedural skills, with high satisfaction (20% very satisfied, 40% satisfied, 40% fully satisfied) and unanimous recommendation of the training.Multicatheter Breast Brachytherapy Simulation: Eight participants attended; only one had prior experience. All (100%) acquired new knowledge; 55.6% reported the workshop exceeded expectations; 88.9% requested further sessions.Breaking Bad News Simulation: Pre/post testing showed significant improvement in communication theory. Practical assessments demonstrated progress in structuring conversations, managing verbal and non-verbal cues, identifying emotions, regulating one’s own responses, and accompanying distressed patients. Satisfaction was uniformly high.Savvy Trial – Research Literacy: Participants reported enhanced recall of major clinical trials, improved ability to link evidence to decisions, and increased interest in research. The game was described as engaging, motivating, and memorable.Brain Master – Tumor Hunters: Learners showed strong gains in collaborative problem-solving, rapid clinical reasoning, engagement, and motivation. The activity was perceived as an energizing complement to simulation, promoting active participation and peer learning. Conclusion: This integrated educational program demonstrated significant benefits across technical, cognitive, and communicational domains. By combining simulation, serious gaming, and structured communication training, the initiative enhanced procedural proficiency, research literacy, teamwork, and learner motivation—highlighting the value of multimodal strategies to strengthen radiation oncology education. Keywords: Simulation, gamification, radiotherapy, education

Proffered Paper 5025

MAP-RT Tool for Multidimensional Assessment in Paediatric Radiotherapy: Insights from the RADAR Project on Psychological Issues

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