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Rehn S, Oertel M, Linde P, Mäurer M, Elsayad K, Pepper NB, Rolf D, Kahn JM, Plastaras JP, Gunther JR, Eich HT. Knowledge and competences in hematological malignancies amongst radiation oncology residents in Germany-results from a national survey. Strahlenther Onkol 2024:10.1007/s00066-024-02236-4. [PMID: 38683476 DOI: 10.1007/s00066-024-02236-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Radiation oncology is a pivotal modality in the treatment of hematologic malignancies. To enable state-of-the-art patient care, structured education during residency is essential. However, given the lack of detailed data, the scope of educational opportunities available to trainees remains elusive. This prompted our group to perform a national survey amongst radiation oncology residents in Germany assessing the status quo of competences in the treatment of lymphoma and leukemia patients. Furthermore, areas of potential improvement were identified to further the goal of competence-based education for residents. METHODS A survey-based analysis was conducted to assess the knowledge and competence of radiation oncology residents in Germany regarding hematological malignancies. A decisive questionnaire covering demographics, self-assessment of competences, and areas for improvement was developed in adaption of a survey by the Association of Residents in Radiation Oncology and distributed amongst 1439 members of the German Society of Radiation Oncology. Responses were collected anonymously via an online survey tool and analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. RESULTS A total of 59 complete and 22 partial responses were collected, yielding a 5.6% response rate. Participants' competence varied, with notable experience gaps in pediatric cases, proton therapy, and large-field techniques like total-skin irradiation or pediatric total body irradiation. While participants felt confident in treatment planning and patient counseling, they showed deficiencies in the definition of the planning target volume for modern involved site radiotherapy. Resources for education included national and international guidelines, scientific reviews, and textbooks. Board-certified radiation oncologists and physicians from specialized lymphoma centers demonstrated higher overall competence levels. CONCLUSION This survey highlights the diversity of resident education regarding hematological malignancies in German radiation oncology programs. Knowledge gaps exist in key areas, including pediatric cases and specialized techniques. Competence-based education, interactive teaching formats, and rotations to specialized centers are potential strategies to address these gaps. The study contributes to the understanding of the federal educational landscape, underscoring the need for standardized and comprehensive training to ensure optimal patient care in hematological malignancies within the context of radiation oncology. Further research and collaborations are warranted to enhance training and expertise in this critical domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Rehn
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, building A1, 48149, Muenster, Germany
| | - Michael Oertel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, building A1, 48149, Muenster, Germany.
| | - Philipp Linde
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cyberknife and Radiation Therapy, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Matthias Mäurer
- Department for Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Khaled Elsayad
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, building A1, 48149, Muenster, Germany
| | - Niklas B Pepper
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, building A1, 48149, Muenster, Germany
| | - Daniel Rolf
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, building A1, 48149, Muenster, Germany
| | - Jenna M Kahn
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - John P Plastaras
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jillian R Gunther
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hans T Eich
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, building A1, 48149, Muenster, Germany
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Mahoney MT, Mix MD, Sura KT, Germain LJ. A Novel USMLE® Step 1 Based Approach to Introducing Radiation Oncology to Second-Year Preclinical Medical Students. JOURNAL OF CANCER EDUCATION : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER EDUCATION 2024; 39:168-173. [PMID: 38087075 DOI: 10.1007/s13187-023-02390-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
There is a paucity of formalized exposure to Radiation Oncology (RO) for preclinical medical students across the United States as well as barriers to implementation within undergraduate medical education curriculum at many institutions. We present a novel approach to implementing an introductory RO didactic lecture to second-year medical students by interweaving associated oncological and ionizing radiation content represented on the United States Medical Licensing Exam® (USMLE®) Step 1 examination. Students had synchronous and asynchronous opportunities to engage with the 1.0-h didactic lecture administered by an attending Radiation Oncologist faculty member. Students were electronically invited to anonymously rank the effectiveness of the lecture materials on a 5-point Likert scale. Performance on standardized board-style questions regarding radiation biology and radiation side effects was recorded before and after the lecture and compared to the historic performance of previous institutional second-year medical student cohorts. The lecture material effectiveness received a mean score of 4.50 on a 5-point Likert scale. There was a statistically significant improvement in student performance on a board-style radiation side effect question from 39% on a pretest to 76% on a posttest. A USMLE® topic-based approach may be an effective way to implement a formalized introduction to RO to preclinical medical students while simultaneously improving performance on relevant standardized board-style questions. Providing evidence that RO topics appear on the USMLE® Step 1 examination curriculum was a powerful incentive for implementation when negotiating with curriculum offices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary T Mahoney
- Norton College of Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA.
- Transitional Year Residency Program, Garnet Health Medical Center, 707 East Main St, Middletown, NY, USA.
| | - Michael D Mix
- Department of Radiation Oncology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Karna T Sura
- Department of Radiation Oncology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Lauren J Germain
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
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Büttner M, Melton P, Fietkau R, Petersen C, Krause M, Borgmann K, Wolf U, Niyazi M, Christiansen H, Höller U, Schmitt D, Käsmann L, Linde P, Fleischmann DF, Ziegler S, Bresch A, Mäurer M. Successful implementation of online educational lectures of the German Society for Radiation Oncology (DEGRO). Strahlenther Onkol 2024; 200:151-158. [PMID: 37889301 PMCID: PMC10805975 DOI: 10.1007/s00066-023-02162-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Modern digital teaching formats have become increasingly important in recent years, in part due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In January 2021, an online-based webinar series was established by the German Society for Radiation Oncology (DEGRO) and the young DEGRO (yDEGRO) working group. In the monthly 120-minute courses, selected lecturers teach curricular content as preparation for the board certification exam for radiation oncology. METHODS The evaluation of the 24 courses between 01.2021 and 12.2022 was performed using a standardized questionnaire with 21 items (recording epidemiological characteristics of the participants, didactic quality, content quality). A Likert scale (1-4) was used in combination with binary and open-ended questions. RESULTS A combined total of 4200 individuals (1952 in 2021 and 2248 in 2022) registered for the courses, and out of those, 934 participants (455 in 2021 and 479 in 2022) later provided evaluations for the respective courses (36% residents, 35% specialists, 21% medical technicians for radiology [MTR], 8% medical physics experts [MPE]). After 2 years, 74% of the DEGRO Academy curriculum topics were covered by the monthly webinars. The overall rating by participants was positive (mean 2021: 1.33 and 2022: 1.25) and exceeded the curriculum offered at each site for 70% of participants. Case-based learning was identified as a particularly well-rated method. CONCLUSION The DEGRO webinar expands the digital teaching opportunities in radiation oncology. The consistently high number of participants confirms the need for high-quality teaching and underlines the advantages of e‑learning methods. Optimization opportunities were identified through reevaluation of feedback from course participants. In its design as a teaching format for a multiprofessional audience, the webinar series could be used as a practice model of online teaching for other disciplines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel Büttner
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Rainer Fietkau
- Radiation Clinic, Erlangen University Hospital, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Cordula Petersen
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Mechthild Krause
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology and National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology (OncoRay), University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Medical Faculty, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- partner site Dresden, German Cancer Consortium, Dresden, Germany
- partner site Dresden, National Center for Tumor Diseases, Dresden, Germany
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
| | - Kerstin Borgmann
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ulrich Wolf
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Maximilian Niyazi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- partner site Munich, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Munich, Germany
| | - Hans Christiansen
- Clinic for Radiotherapy and Special Oncology, Hanover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | | | - Daniela Schmitt
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Lukas Käsmann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- partner site Munich, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Munich, Germany
| | - Philipp Linde
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cyberknife and Radiation Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Integrated Oncology (CIO), University Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University of Cologne, Kerpener St 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
| | - Daniel F Fleischmann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- partner site Munich, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sonia Ziegler
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Angelique Bresch
- Office of the German Society for Radiation Oncology (DEGRO), Berlin, Germany
| | - Matthias Mäurer
- Department for Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Jena, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Bachstr. 18, 07743, Jena, Germany.
- Clinician Scientist Program "OrganAge", Jena University Hospital, 07747, Jena, Germany.
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Fleischmann DF, Büttner M, Oertel M, Waltenberger M, Süß C, Ziegler S, Käsmann L, Jazmati D, Schröder A, Mäurer M, Linde P. Current situation in radiation oncology residency-Results of a national survey performed by the working group Young DEGRO of the German Society of Radiation Oncology. Strahlenther Onkol 2023; 199:961-972. [PMID: 37642650 PMCID: PMC10598092 DOI: 10.1007/s00066-023-02137-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to assess the current status of the radiation oncology (RO) residency programs in Germany. For this, RO residents and RO specialists were surveyed regarding the current situation of the RO residency training and the working conditions in Germany. METHODS The Continuing Education Section of the Young DEGRO (yDEGRO) Working Group of the German Society of Radiation Oncology (DEGRO) developed a survey to assess (1) the overall satisfaction, learning objectives, and teaching methods used during training; and (2) the perception of the importance of specific disease patterns in RO training. Open-ended questions were also asked to elicit opinions on areas for improvement. From 21 November to 27 December 2022, RO residents registered with DEGRO and/or in the working group yDEGRO were invited to participate anonymously in an online questionnaire. RESULTS Overall, 97 participants completed the survey, including 65 RO residents (67%) and 32 RO specialists (33%); 66 (68%) of the respondents reported being employed in the university setting, 23 (23.7%) in the non-university setting, and 8 (8.3%) in private practice. Within the training, heterogeneity was found in the teaching methods used. In terms of knowledge transfer, the greatest importance was accorded to annual continuing education discussions with the head of the residency training (92.8%), participation in tumor boards (85.6%), written training concepts (81.4%), and evaluations at the beginning (76.3%) and end of a rotation (80.4%). The arithmetic mean of satisfaction with specialist training was 6/10 points (SD: 1.99); 88.7% of respondents would like to see a nationally uniform and mandatory curriculum in RO residency training. CONCLUSION The study provides suggestions for improving RO medical training in Germany: further development of accompanying education and training programs in cooperation with professional associations, e.g., the DEGRO, structured feedback, and supervision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel F Fleischmann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Partner site Munich, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marcel Büttner
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Oertel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Maria Waltenberger
- Partner site Munich, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Christoph Süß
- Department of Radiotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sonia Ziegler
- Klinik für Strahlentherapie und Radioonkologie, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Lukas Käsmann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Danny Jazmati
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Dusseldorf, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University of Dusseldorf, Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Annemarie Schröder
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, University Medical Centre Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Matthias Mäurer
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Jena, Germany
| | - Philipp Linde
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cyberknife and Radiation Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
- Center for Integrated Oncology (CIO), University Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
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Schmalz C, Rogge A, Dunst J, Krug D, Liethmann K. Teaching communication skills in medical education : Best practice example of an interdisciplinary seminar in radiation oncology. Strahlenther Onkol 2023; 199:820-827. [PMID: 37308589 PMCID: PMC10449999 DOI: 10.1007/s00066-023-02099-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Communication with patients is challenging, especially in radiation oncology. Therefore, radiation oncology is particularly suited to sensitize medical students for this topic and to train them competently. We report on experiences with an innovative teaching project for fourth- and fifth-year medical students. MATERIALS AND METHODS The course, funded as an innovative teaching project by the medical faculty, was offered as an optional course for medical students in 2019 and again in 2022 after a pandemic-related break. The curriculum and evaluation form were developed through a two-stage Delphi process. The course consisted of, first, participation during counselling of patients prior to radiotherapy, mainly on topics with shared decision-making, and, second, a 1-week interdisciplinary block seminar with practical exercises. The topics covered a broad spectrum of the competence areas defined in the National Competence-Based Learning Objectives Catalog for Medicine (NKLM). The number of participants was limited to approximately 15 students because of the practical components. RESULTS So far, 30 students (all at least in the seventh semester or higher) have participated in the teaching project. The most frequent reasons for participation were the desire to acquire competence in breaking bad news and confidence in talking to patients. The overall evaluation of the course was very positive, with a grade of 1.08 + 0.28 (on a scale of 1 = totally agree to 5 = totally disagree) plus German grade 1 (very good) to 6 (very bad). Notably, participants' expectations regarding specific competencies (e.g., breaking bad news) were also met. CONCLUSION Although the evaluation results cannot be generalized to the entirety of medical students due to the limited number of voluntary participants, the very positive evaluation shows the need for such projects among students and can also be seen as an indication that radiation oncology as a patient-centered discipline is particularly well suited to teach medical communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Schmalz
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, 24105, Kiel, Germany.
| | - Annette Rogge
- Nordseeklinik Helgoland, Helgoland, Germany, Invasorenpfad 1040, 27498
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Jürgen Dunst
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - David Krug
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Katrin Liethmann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, 24105, Kiel, Germany
- Psychooncology, Center for integrative Psychiatry ZiP gGmbH, Kiel, Germany
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Linde P, Klein M, Lang F, Wegen S, Petersen C, Dapper H, Fan J, Celik E, Marnitz S, Baues C. Teaching in radiation oncology: now and 2025-results of a focus group with medical students. Strahlenther Onkol 2023; 199:360-369. [PMID: 36063205 PMCID: PMC9443630 DOI: 10.1007/s00066-022-01997-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE In Germany, the new Licensing Regulations for Physicians 2025 (Ärztliche Approbationsordnung, ÄApprO) define a binding legal framework on the basis of which medical faculties modernize their curricula. Since 2015, the National Competence Based Learning Objectives Catalogue for Medicine 2.0 (Nationaler Kompetenzbasierter Lernzielkatalog 2.0., NKLM) formulates competencies and learning objectives to be achieved in the course of studies as curriculum orientation for the medical faculties. In addition, about 80% of the areas of a new core curriculum are to be made compulsory. A needs analysis in the target group of students has not yet taken place for the subject of radiation therapy (RT) or radiation oncology (RO). This study therefore surveys the experiences and requirements of students regarding medical education in RT. METHODS Qualitative single-center study using a semistructured in-depth focus group with 11 medical students (20-26 years; 6 female, 5 male) was conducted. Brainstorming sessions were conducted in small groups and individually; oral contributions were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using qualitative content analysis according to Mayring. Results were compared with the content of the future curriculum and reviewed for congruence with current expert recommendations of the German Society of Radiation Oncology (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Radioonkologie, DEGRO). RESULTS The plans to develop a longitudinal and practice-oriented curriculum was positively received by students. Specifically, students wanted to introduce the basics of RT as an early link to practice in preclinical teaching units. The necessary acquisition of communicative skills should also be taught by lecturers in RO. Methodologically, regular digital survey tools for self-monitoring, discussion rooms, and problem-based learning were named. In the perception of students, the subject appears underrepresented in relation to its relevance in the multimodal therapy of oncological diseases. CONCLUSION Results of the needs analysis for the subject of RT are consistent with ÄApprO, NKLM, and DEGRO. Moreover, they complement them and should be considered in the curriculum development of Masterplan Medical Education 2020 (Masterplan Medizinstudium 2020). The results contribute to high-quality and target-group-oriented medical training in the subject of RT, increased visibility, and thus early bonding of future physicians to RO in Germany.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Linde
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cyberknife and Radiation Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Marie Klein
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cyberknife and Radiation Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
| | - Frauke Lang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cyberknife and Radiation Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
| | - Simone Wegen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cyberknife and Radiation Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
| | - Cordula Petersen
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hendrik Dapper
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Public Hospital of Bielefeld, University Medical Center East Westphalia-Lippe, Teutoburger Str. 50, 33604, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Jiaqi Fan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cyberknife and Radiation Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
| | - Eren Celik
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cyberknife and Radiation Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
| | - Simone Marnitz
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cyberknife and Radiation Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
| | - Christian Baues
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cyberknife and Radiation Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
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Mäurer MA, Drozdz S, Ehrenpfordt J, Schwedas M, Friedlein M, Hille N, Riede C, Schrott S, Graf M, Wurschi G, Kamp MA, Wittig A, Knippen S. Development, implementation, and results of a simulation-based hands-on brachytherapy workshop for medical students. Strahlenther Onkol 2023; 199:370-378. [PMID: 36881115 PMCID: PMC9990013 DOI: 10.1007/s00066-023-02058-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The new Medical Licensing Regulations 2025 (Ärztliche Approbationsordnung, ÄApprO) require the development of competence-oriented teaching formats. In addition, there is a great need for high-quality teaching in the field of radiation oncology, which manifests itself already during medical school. For this reason, we developed a simulation-based, hands-on medical education format to teach competency in performing accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) with interstitial multicatheter brachytherapy for early breast cancer. In addition, we designed realistic breast models suitable for teaching both palpation of the female breast and implantation of brachytherapy catheters. METHODS From June 2021 to July 2022, 70 medical students took part in the hands-on brachytherapy workshop. After a propaedeutic introduction, the participants simulated the implantation of single-lead catheters under supervision using the silicone-based breast models. Correct catheter placement was subsequently assessed by CT scans. Participants rated their skills before and after the workshop on a six-point Likert scale in a standardized questionnaire. RESULTS Participants significantly improved their knowledge-based and practical skills on APBI in all items as assessed by a standardized questionnaire (mean sum score 42.4 before and 16.0 after the course, p < 0.001). The majority of respondents fully agreed that the workshop increased their interest in brachytherapy (mean 1.15, standard deviation [SD] 0.40 on the six-point Likert scale). The silicone-based breast model was found to be suitable for achieving the previously defined learning objectives (1.19, SD 0.47). The learning atmosphere and didactic quality were rated particularly well (mean 1.07, SD 0.26 and 1.13, SD 0.3 on the six-point Likert scale). CONCLUSION The simulation-based medical education course for multicatheter brachytherapy can improve self-assessed technical competence. Residency programs should provide resources for this essential component of radiation oncology. This course is exemplary for the development of innovative practical and competence-based teaching formats to meet the current reforms in medical education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias A Mäurer
- Department for Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Jena, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Bachstr. 18, 07743, Jena, Germany.
- Clinician Scientist Program "OrganAge", Jena University Hospital, 07747, Jena, Germany.
| | - Sonia Drozdz
- Department for Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Jena, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Bachstr. 18, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Juliet Ehrenpfordt
- Department for Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Jena, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Bachstr. 18, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Michael Schwedas
- Department for Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Jena, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Bachstr. 18, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Melissa Friedlein
- Department for Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Jena, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Bachstr. 18, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Nadine Hille
- Department for Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Jena, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Bachstr. 18, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Cora Riede
- Department for Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Jena, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Bachstr. 18, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Steffen Schrott
- Department for Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Jena, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Bachstr. 18, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Maximilian Graf
- Department for Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Jena, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Bachstr. 18, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Georg Wurschi
- Department for Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Jena, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Bachstr. 18, 07743, Jena, Germany
- Clinician Scientist Program "CSP-11", Jena University Hospital, 07747, Jena, Germany
| | - Marcel A Kamp
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Jena, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Jena, Germany
| | - Andrea Wittig
- Department for Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Jena, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Bachstr. 18, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Stefan Knippen
- Department for Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Jena, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Bachstr. 18, 07743, Jena, Germany
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Oertel M, Pepper NB, Schmitz M, Becker JC, Eich HT. Digital transfer in radiation oncology education for medical students-single-center data and systemic review of the literature. Strahlenther Onkol 2022; 198:765-772. [PMID: 35486128 PMCID: PMC9053120 DOI: 10.1007/s00066-022-01939-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Modern medical education demands innovative, competence-orientated concepts. The forced digital transfer of teaching due to the coronavirus pandemic also affected radiation oncology (RO). The following analysis investigates whether the attractivity of RO teaching at our faculty could be maintained during the pandemic and which possibilities exist to involve students (in active learning). The latter aspect is further elaborated on a broader scale by a systemic review of the literature on competence-orientated digital education. METHODS Evaluation results and participation rates of clinical lectures in radiation oncology (RO) were analyzed between the winter semester 2018/2019 and the summer semester 2021. A systemic review of the literature on digital education in RO for medical students was conducted. RESULTS Concerning evaluation results, a significant improvement for the 7th and 9th semesters was observed in comparison between the pre-pandemic and pandemic semesters (p = 0.046 and p = 0.05, respectively). Overall participation rates did not differ. However, the number of students attending > 75% of classes in the respective semester increased significantly between the pre-pandemic and pandemic period (median values: 38 vs. 79%, p = 0.046; 44 vs. 73%, p = 0.05; 45 vs. 64%, p = 0.05; 41 vs. 77%, p = 0.05; 41 vs. 71%, p = 0.05, for the 6th to 10th semester, respectively). CONCLUSION The analysis demonstrates the possibility of efficient digital transfer of a core curriculum in RO to the digital era, with a more continuous participation of students. This transfer may enable amelioration of teaching quality and the introduction of innovative and interactive concepts in accordance with the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Oertel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, building A1, 48149, Muenster, Germany.
| | - Niklas Benedikt Pepper
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, building A1, 48149, Muenster, Germany
| | - Martina Schmitz
- Institute of Anatomy and Vascular Biology, University of Muenster, Vesaliusweg 2-4, 48149, Muenster, Germany
| | - Jan Carl Becker
- Department of Medical Education (IfAS), University of Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, building A6, 48149, Muenster, Germany
| | - Hans Theodor Eich
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, building A1, 48149, Muenster, Germany
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9
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Swanton C, Morris L, Agustin C, Brown A, Turner S. Improving medical student education in radiation oncology: Integrating and evaluating an experiential interdisciplinary workshop into the medical student curriculum. J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol 2022; 66:688-693. [PMID: 35253393 DOI: 10.1111/1754-9485.13392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Swanton
- Sydney West Radiation Oncology Network Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Lucinda Morris
- St. George Hospital Cancer Care Centre Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Cherry Agustin
- Sydney West Radiation Oncology Network Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Alison Brown
- Sydney West Radiation Oncology Network Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Sandra Turner
- Sydney West Radiation Oncology Network Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Sydney Medical School University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
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10
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Oertel M. Homage to the Square? - Lessons learned from Bauhaus Master Josef Albers. Pract Radiat Oncol 2021; 12:88-89. [PMID: 34902635 DOI: 10.1016/j.prro.2021.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Oertel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany.
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11
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Vorwerk H, Engenhart-Cabillic R. Students' learning behavior in digital education for radiation oncology. Strahlenther Onkol 2021; 198:12-24. [PMID: 34842943 PMCID: PMC8760198 DOI: 10.1007/s00066-021-01858-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Digitalization of medical education is an important trend in terms of reforming and modernizing the global education environment. It has been long requested by students and politicians. The goal of this study was to assess the student perception of a newly developed digital educational program in radiation oncology (RO) using an interactive e‑book combined with short learnings clips on a YouTube channel combined with periodic videoconferences and a forum for queries. Methods We performed five evaluations during and at the end of two terms with multiple-choice and free-text answers. We evaluated student perception of our new digital learning scenario in three semesters: one pre-clinical and two clinical semesters. In addition, we analyzed all comments from the kMED forum, the YouTube channel, or the e‑mail contacts. We analyzed the learning behavior of the students based on access to the videos and the number and quality of the reflective questions answered as well as the results of the final examinations. Results The students accepted the offer for asynchronous teaching and mainly learned on weekdays (74% of the videos), but also on weekends (23%) and less on public holidays (4%). The answer quality of the reflective questions was good with over 50% correct answers on the first attempt. Learning to be on one’s own authority was very difficult for the students, even in the last clinical semesters of the medical study. Without direct intervention by the teacher, access to the learning material by the students was limited and delayed. Therefore, voluntary interim tests were performed during the first analysis term, which led to an increased number of student accesses to the videos and higher number of answers. Nevertheless, in the first analysis term, the average results in the final exam of the students who did not perform the interim test were below average at 59.1%, and the students who performed the test had better results at 69.5% but this was also not satisfactory. In the second analysis term, we taught with the same digital teaching model but with an additional scheme for learning over the term, 2‑week compulsory intermediate tests, and frequent videoconferences to answer any questions. In this term, we measured a success rate of 93% in the final exam. All annotations were very positive regarding the new educational project. The evaluations showed high acceptance of the new education program. The students stated they would prefer the new education course to be continued in future. Conclusion Digital teaching methods make not only the type and quality of teaching transparent, but also the learning behavior of the students. Our analysis has shown that, in addition to the quality of the teaching, the clear structure and specification of the learning content per learning week as well as regular monitoring of what has been learned are of decisive importance for the learning success of the students. Supplementary Information The online version of this article (10.1007/s00066-021-01858-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilke Vorwerk
- Radiotherapy and Radio-oncology, University Clinic Marburg and Giessen (Marburg facility), Baldingerstraße, 35033, Marburg, Germany.
| | - Rita Engenhart-Cabillic
- Radiotherapy and Radio-oncology, University Clinic Marburg and Giessen (Marburg facility), Baldingerstraße, 35033, Marburg, Germany
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12
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Dapper H, Belka C, Bock F, Budach V, Budach W, Christiansen H, Debus J, Distel L, Dunst J, Eckert F, Eich H, Eicheler W, Engenhart-Cabillic R, Fietkau R, Fleischmann DF, Frerker B, Giordano FA, Grosu AL, Herfarth K, Hildebrandt G, Kaul D, Kölbl O, Krause M, Krug D, Martin D, Matuschek C, Medenwald D, Nicolay NH, Niewald M, Oertel M, Petersen C, Pohl F, Raabe A, Rödel C, Rübe C, Schmalz C, Schmeel LC, Steinmann D, Stüben G, Thamm R, Vordermark D, Vorwerk H, Wiegel T, Zips D, Combs SE. Integration of radiation oncology teaching in medical studies by German medical faculties due to the new licensing regulations : An overview and recommendations of the consortium academic radiation oncology of the German Society for Radiation Oncology (DEGRO). Strahlenther Onkol 2021; 198:1-11. [PMID: 34786605 PMCID: PMC8594460 DOI: 10.1007/s00066-021-01861-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The new Medical Licensing Regulations 2025 (Ärztliche Approbationsordnung, ÄApprO) will soon be passed by the Federal Council (Bundesrat) and will be implemented step by step by the individual faculties in the coming months. The further development of medical studies essentially involves an orientation from fact-based to competence-based learning and focuses on practical, longitudinal and interdisciplinary training. Radiation oncology and radiation therapy are important components of therapeutic oncology and are of great importance for public health, both clinically and epidemiologically, and therefore should be given appropriate attention in medical education. This report is based on a recent survey on the current state of radiation therapy teaching at university hospitals in Germany as well as the contents of the National Competence Based Learning Objectives Catalogue for Medicine 2.0 (Nationaler Kompetenzbasierter Lernzielkatalog Medizin 2.0, NKLM) and the closely related Subject Catalogue (Gegenstandskatalog, GK) of the Institute for Medical and Pharmaceutical Examination Questions (Institut für Medizinische und Pharmazeutische Prüfungsfragen, IMPP). The current recommendations of the German Society for Radiation Oncology (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Radioonkologie, DEGRO) regarding topics, scope and rationale for the establishment of radiation oncology teaching at the respective faculties are also included.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Dapper
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany. .,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site (DKTK), Munich, Germany.
| | - C Belka
- Department of Radiation Oncology, LMU University Hospital, Munich, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - F Bock
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - V Budach
- Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Radiation Oncology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - W Budach
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - H Christiansen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - J Debus
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - L Distel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - J Dunst
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - F Eckert
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site (DKTK), Tübingen, Germany
| | - H Eich
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - W Eicheler
- OncoRay-National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
| | - R Engenhart-Cabillic
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - R Fietkau
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - D F Fleischmann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, LMU University Hospital, Munich, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - B Frerker
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - F A Giordano
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - A L Grosu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site (DKTK), Freiburg, Germany
| | - K Herfarth
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - G Hildebrandt
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - D Kaul
- Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Radiation Oncology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Partner Site Berlin, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - O Kölbl
- Department of Radiotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - M Krause
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,OncoRay-National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden and Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany.,Partner Site Dresden, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany.,Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany.,Heidelberg and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Dresden, Germany
| | - D Krug
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - D Martin
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site (DKTK), Frankfurt, Germany
| | - C Matuschek
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - D Medenwald
- Deptartment of Radiation Oncology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - N H Nicolay
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site (DKTK), Freiburg, Germany
| | - M Niewald
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiooncology, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg, Germany
| | - M Oertel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - C Petersen
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radio-Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - F Pohl
- Department of Radiotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - A Raabe
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radio-Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - C Rödel
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site (DKTK), Frankfurt, Germany
| | - C Rübe
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiooncology, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg, Germany
| | - C Schmalz
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - L C Schmeel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - D Steinmann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - G Stüben
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - R Thamm
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Radiotherapy, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - D Vordermark
- Deptartment of Radiation Oncology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - H Vorwerk
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - T Wiegel
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Radiotherapy, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - D Zips
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site (DKTK), Tübingen, Germany
| | - S E Combs
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Institute of Radiation Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site (DKTK), Munich, Germany
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13
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Arifin AJ, Liubchenko K, Boldt G, Nguyen TK. A Scoping Review of Radiation Oncology Educational and Career-Planning Interventions in Undergraduate Medical Education. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 28:740-749. [PMID: 33572574 PMCID: PMC7985784 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol28010072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Radiation oncology (RO) teaching in undergraduate medical education (UME) is lacking worldwide with potentially detrimental effects on medical student career choices and patient care. The objective of this scoping review is to examine the extent of published literature describing RO educational and career-planning interventions in UME. Online databases were searched from respective dates of inception to June 2020 for articles that reported outcomes from RO educational and career-planning interventions in UME. Two independent reviewers screened entries for inclusion. Following full-text reviews, 25 articles were analyzed. Most interventions were a single session, involved clinical medical students, and were based in North America. Didactic teaching was most commonly used, though a majority included interactive learning in addition to or in place of didactic teaching. As expected, there was a heterogeneity of outcomes reported, and most studies collected data using surveys alone. Recurring topics included the multidisciplinary nature of oncology and psychosocial oncology. There was a paucity of studies reporting on formal mentorship programs and research programs. The data collated in this study can help develop new initiatives based on what has succeeded in the past. Areas that may benefit from future studies include mentorship programs, research programs, and interventions from outside North America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J. Arifin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, London Regional Cancer Program, London, ON N6A 3W9, Canada; (A.J.A.); (G.B.)
| | - Karina Liubchenko
- Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada;
| | - Gabriel Boldt
- Department of Radiation Oncology, London Regional Cancer Program, London, ON N6A 3W9, Canada; (A.J.A.); (G.B.)
| | - Timothy K. Nguyen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, London Regional Cancer Program, London, ON N6A 3W9, Canada; (A.J.A.); (G.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-519-685-8500
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14
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Dapper H, Wijnen-Meijer M, Rathfelder S, Mosene K, von Kirchbauer I, Bernhardt D, Berberat PO, Combs SE. Radiation oncology as part of medical education-current status and possible digital future prospects. Strahlenther Onkol 2020; 197:528-536. [PMID: 33230568 PMCID: PMC7682521 DOI: 10.1007/s00066-020-01712-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Education as part of medical education is currently changing rapidly. Not least because of the corona crisis, more and more digital teaching formats and innovative teaching concepts such as the flipped classroom model are finding their way into teaching. We analyzed the acceptance and effectiveness of traditional teaching methods as well as the interest in innovative e‑learning methods among medical students in the field of radiation oncology at the medical school of the Technical University of Munich. Methods We carried out an online-based survey as well as a knowledge test on all students from two terms who had completed the seminar series of radiation oncology. The survey comprised seven questions on the frequency of participation, acceptance, and judgment of the effectiveness in terms of learning and on a potential use of e‑learning methods using a six-point Likert scale. The test consisted of 10 multiple-choice questions. Results Traditional teaching methods are largely accepted by students and most students consider the current learning format to be effective in terms of the teaching effect in the field of radiation oncology. However, only about 50% of all knowledge questions were answered correctly. The possible use of e‑learning methods was judged critically or desired in roughly equal parts among the students. Conclusion Traditional seminars enjoy a high level of acceptance among students. Effectiveness with regard to the internalization of content taught, however, should be increased. After all, the future seems to lie in the integration of e‑learning in the form of educational videos and practical seminars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hendrik Dapper
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.
| | - Marjo Wijnen-Meijer
- School of Medicine, TUM Medical Education Center, Technical University Munich, Nigerstraße 3, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Salome Rathfelder
- DRF Stiftung Luftrettung gAG, Rita-Maiburg-Straße 2, 70794, Filderstadt, Germany
| | - Katharina Mosene
- School of Medicine, TUM Medical Education Center, Technical University Munich, Nigerstraße 3, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Isabelle von Kirchbauer
- School of Medicine, TUM Medical Education Center, Technical University Munich, Nigerstraße 3, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Denise Bernhardt
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Pascal O Berberat
- School of Medicine, TUM Medical Education Center, Technical University Munich, Nigerstraße 3, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Stephanie E Combs
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.,Institute for Radiation Medicine (IRM), Helmholtz Zentrum München (HMGU), Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, Neuherberg, Germany.,Partner Site Munich, Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK), Munich, Germany
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15
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Oertel M, Linde P, Mäurer M, Fleischmann DF, Dietzel CT, Krug D. Quality of teaching radiation oncology in Germany-where do we stand? : Results from a 2019 survey performed by the working group "young DEGRO" of the German Society of Radiation Oncology. Strahlenther Onkol 2020; 196:699-704. [PMID: 32367455 PMCID: PMC7385026 DOI: 10.1007/s00066-020-01623-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Medical students’ knowledge of radiation oncology (RO) is of increasing importance with a rising prevalence of malignancies. However, RO teaching in medical schools is heterogeneous and has not been analyzed at a federal level yet. Therefore, the following survey aims to provide a national overview of RO teaching in Germany. Methods A questionnaire containing multiple-choice and free-text questions covering the extent and topics of RO teaching was sent to RO departments of all university hospitals in Germany and was answered by the heads of department/main lecturers. Results 24/35 (68.6%) RO departments returned completed forms. Most faculties employ lectures (91.7%), seminars (87.5%), and practical/bedside training (75.0%), whereas training in radiation biology and medical physics are rare (25% and 33.3%, respectively). Main topics covered are general RO (100%), radiation biology (91.7%), and side effects (87.5%). Regarding RO techniques and concepts, image-guided and intensity-modulated radiotherapy are taught at all faculties, followed by palliative and stereotactic techniques (87.5% each). Notably, all departments offered at least a partial rotation in RO in conjunction with radiology and/or nuclear medicine departments in the last year of medical school, while only 70.8% provided a complete rotation in RO. In addition, 57.1% of the departments have taken measures concerning the upcoming National Competence-Based Learning Objectives Catalogue (NKLM) for medical education. Conclusion RO plays an integral but underrepresented role in clinical medical education in Germany, but faces new challenges in the development of practical and competence-based education, which will require further innovative and interdisciplinary concepts. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00066-020-01623-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Oertel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany.
| | - P Linde
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Cyberknife Center, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - M Mäurer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - D F Fleischmann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- partner site Munich, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - C T Dietzel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Halle (Saale), Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - D Krug
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
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