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Lingas EC, Ganipisetti VM. Adult Hospitalists' Knowledge of Radiation Oncology in an Independent Nonacademic Healthcare System in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Cureus 2023; 15:e41856. [PMID: 37551222 PMCID: PMC10404457 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.41856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiation oncology (RO) plays a crucial role in cancer care; cancer patients often undergo their initial diagnostic study by general physicians. However, studies have shown that most physicians are uncomfortable referring cancer patients to radiation therapy (RT). To assess the knowledge of RO among non-oncology physicians, we sent invitations to complete an online survey that required the responders to self-rate their understanding of RT and objective assessment. The survey was targeted at hospitalists and primary care physicians. Forty physicians responded to the survey, and 89.7% practiced primarily as hospitalists, with 67% being Internal Medicine graduates. Fifty percent of physicians have referred patients to RO before, although more than 90% have not done additional CME (continuing medical education) in Oncology. More than 50% of recent graduates (one to five years post-residency) self-rated themselves as "not knowledgeable" when it comes referral process to RO as well as general knowledge regarding RT. Factors, such as "type of cancer," "patients' wishes," and "life expectancy," are most cited as factors influencing the decision for a referral.
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Oldfield LE, Jones V, Gill B, Kodous N, Fazelzad R, Rodin D, Sandhu H, Umakanthan B, Papadakos J, Giuliani ME. Synthesis of Existent Oncology Curricula for Primary Care Providers: A Scoping Review With a Global Equity Lens. JCO Glob Oncol 2023; 9:e2200298. [PMID: 37141562 DOI: 10.1200/go.22.00298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Global increases in cancer, coupled with a shortage of cancer specialists, has led to an increasing role for primary care providers (PCP) in cancer care. This review aimed to examine all extant cancer curricula for PCPs and to analyze the motivations for curriculum development. METHODS A comprehensive literature search was conducted from inception to October 13, 2021, with no language restrictions. The initial search yielded 11,162 articles and 10,902 articles underwent title and abstract review. After full-text review, 139 articles were included. Numeric and thematic analyses were conducted and education programs were evaluated using Bloom's taxonomy. RESULTS Most curricula were developed in high-income countries (HICs), with 58% in the United States. Cancer-specific curricula focused on HIC priority cancers, such as skin/melanoma, and did not represent the global cancer burden. Most (80%) curricula were developed for staff physicians and 73% focused on cancer screening. More than half (57%) of programs were delivered in person, with a shift toward online delivery over time. Less than half (46%) of programs were codeveloped with PCPs and 34% did not involve PCPs in the program design and development. Curricula were primarily developed to improve cancer knowledge, and 72 studies assessed multiple outcome measures. No studies included the top two levels of Bloom's taxonomy of learning (evaluating; creating). CONCLUSION To our knowledge, this is the first review to assess the current state of cancer curricula for PCPs with a global focus. This review shows that extant curricula are primarily developed in HICs, do not represent the global cancer burden, and focus on cancer screening. This review lays a foundation to advance the cocreation of curricula that are aligned to the global cancer burden.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vivien Jones
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Bhajan Gill
- Cancer Education, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nardeen Kodous
- Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rouhi Fazelzad
- Library and Information Services, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Danielle Rodin
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
- Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Ben Umakanthan
- Cancer Education, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Janet Papadakos
- Cancer Education, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- The Institute for Education Research, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Meredith Elana Giuliani
- Cancer Education, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Mireștean CC, Iancu RI, Iancu DPT. Education in Radiation Oncology-Current Challenges and Difficulties. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19073772. [PMID: 35409453 PMCID: PMC8997535 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19073772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
The evolution and development of radiotherapy in the last two decades has meant that postgraduate medical training has not kept up with this rapid progress both in terms of multidisciplinary clinical approaches and especially in terms of technological advances. Education in radiation oncology is a major priority in the context of the rapid development of radiotherapy, including advanced knowledge of radiobiology, radiation physics and clinical oncology, anatomy, tumor biology and advanced medical imaging. In this context, the lack of training in radiation oncology in the curricula of medical faculties may have detrimental consequences for the training of residents in radiotherapy but also in their choice of specialty after completing their university studies. There is a clear gap between resident physicians’ actual and required knowledge of radiotherapy, and this requires urgent remediation. In the context of technical advances in imaging-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) and new radiobiology data, a balanced approach divided equally between general oncology, clinical radiation oncology, radiation oncology technology, medical physics and radiobiology, anatomy and multimodal imaging, including mentorship could bring educational and career choice benefits for students of radiation oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camil Ciprian Mireștean
- Department of Medical Oncology and Radiotherapy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
- Department of Surgery, Railways Clinical Hospital, 700506 Iasi, Romania
| | - Roxana Irina Iancu
- Oral Pathology Department, “Gr. T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, St. Spiridon Emergency Hospital, 700111 Iasi, Romania
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +40-232-301-603
| | - Dragoș Petru Teodor Iancu
- Department of Medical Oncology and Radiotherapy, “Gr. T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Regional Institute of Oncology, 700483 Iasi, Romania
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D'Angelo K, Eansor P, D'Souza LA, Norris ME, Bauman GS, Kassam Z, Leung E, Nichols AC, Sharma M, Tay KY, Velker V, O'Neil M, Mitchell S, Feuz C, Warner A, Willmore KE, Campbell N, Probst H, Palma DA. Implementation and evaluation of an online anatomy, radiology and contouring bootcamp for radiation therapists. J Med Imaging Radiat Sci 2021; 52:567-575. [PMID: 34635471 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmir.2021.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As new treatments and technologies have been introduced in radiation oncology, the clinical roles of radiation therapists (RTs) have expanded. However, there are few formal learning opportunities for RTs. An online, anatomy, radiology and contouring bootcamp (ARC Bootcamp) originally designed for medical residents was identified as a prospective educational tool for RTs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate an RT edition of the ARC Bootcamp on knowledge, contouring, and confidence, as well as to identify areas for future modification. METHODS Fifty licensed RTs were enrolled in an eight-week, multidisciplinary, online RT ARC Bootcamp. Contouring practice was available throughout the course using an online contouring platform. Outcomes were evaluated using a pre-course and post-course multiple-choice quiz (MCQ), contouring evaluation and qualitative self-efficacy and satisfaction survey. RESULTS Of the fifty enrolled RTs, 30 completed the course, and 26 completed at least one of the post-tests. Nineteen contouring dice similarity coefficient (DSC) scores were available for paired pre- and post-course analysis. RTs demonstrated a statistically significant increase in mean DSC scoring pooled across all contouring structures (mean ± SD improvement: 0.09 ± 0.18 on a scale from 0 to 1, p=0.020). For individual contouring structures, 3/15 reached significance in contouring improvement. MCQ scores were available for 26 participants and increased after RT ARC Bootcamp participation with a mean ± SD pre-test score of 18.6 ± 4.2 (46.5%); on a 40-point scale vs. post-test score of 24.5 ± 4.3 (61.4%) (p < 0.001). RT confidence in contouring, anatomy knowledge and radiographic identification improved after course completion (p < 0.001). Feedback from RTs recommended more contouring instruction, less in-depth anatomy review and more time to complete the course. CONCLUSIONS The RT ARC Bootcamp was an effective tool for improving anatomy and radiographic knowledge among RTs. The course demonstrated improvements in contouring and overall confidence. However, only approximately half of the enrolled RTs completed the course, limiting statistical power. Future modifications will aim to increase relevance to RTs and improve completion rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krista D'Angelo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paige Eansor
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Leah A D'Souza
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Madeleine E Norris
- Department of Anatomy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Glenn S Bauman
- Department of Radiation Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zahra Kassam
- Department of Medical Imaging, St. Joseph's Health Care, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eric Leung
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anthony C Nichols
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Manas Sharma
- Department of Radiology, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Keng Yeow Tay
- Department of Radiology, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vikram Velker
- Department of Radiation Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Melissa O'Neil
- Department of Radiation Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sylvia Mitchell
- Department of Radiation Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Carina Feuz
- Department of Radiation Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew Warner
- Department of Radiation Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Katherine E Willmore
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nicole Campbell
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Heidi Probst
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - David A Palma
- Department of Radiation Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada.
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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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Mattes MD, Bugarski LA, Wen S, Deville C. Assessment of the Medical Schools From Which Radiation Oncology Residents Graduate and Implications for Diversifying the Workforce. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2020; 108:879-885. [PMID: 32561501 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2020.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To identify factors predictive of a medical school graduating a high volume of future radiation oncology (RO) residents to better understand potential pathways to effectively recruit women and underrepresented minority (URM) students into RO. METHODS AND MATERIALS Demographics for US allopathic medical schools and affiliated RO departments were collected from web resources and correlated with the percentage of graduates from each school currently enrolled in RO residency in 2019, and the probability of at least 1 female or URM student from each school pursuing RO. RESULTS The median percentage of students per medical school who pursued RO residency was 0.37% (interquartile range, 0.16%-0.66%). A total of 79.7% of schools graduated at least 1 RO resident, whereas 51.7% graduated at least 1 female RO resident and 14.0% graduated at least 1 URM RO resident. The 30 schools graduating the highest percentage of RO residents accounted for 52.1% of current RO residents, only 4 of which were in the top quartile for URM enrollment. Medical students were significantly more likely to pursue RO when there was an affiliated RO department (0.42% vs 0.18%, P < .001) or RO residency program (0.51% vs 0.18%, P < .001), more total RO faculty (rs = 0.521, P < .001), female RO faculty (rs = 0.481, P < .001), and URM RO faculty (rs = 0.197, P < .001). The probability of at least 1 female student pursuing RO was also correlated with the number of female faculty in the affiliated RO department (rpb = 0.348, P = .001), and a similar correlation was observed between URM students and URM faculty (rpb = 0.312, P = .011). CONCLUSIONS Most RO residents graduate from medical schools with larger affiliated RO departments but fewer URM students. To promote greater RO diversity, outreach should be considered among schools with greater URM enrollment but fewer affiliated radiation oncologists, and among female and URM students in schools that graduate many RO residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malcolm D Mattes
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey.
| | - Luka A Bugarski
- School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Sijin Wen
- Department of Statistics, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Curtiland Deville
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
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Sherer MV, Lin D, Puri K, Panjwani N, Zhang Z, Murphy JD, Gillespie EF. Development and Usage of eContour, a Novel, Three-Dimensional, Image-Based Web Site to Facilitate Access to Contouring Guidelines at the Point of Care. JCO Clin Cancer Inform 2020; 3:1-9. [PMID: 31756136 DOI: 10.1200/cci.19.00041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Variation in contouring quality by radiation oncologists is common and can have significant clinical consequences. Image-based guidelines can improve contour accuracy but are underused. We sought to develop a free, online, easily accessible contouring resource that allows users to scroll through cases with 3-dimensional images and access relevant evidence-based contouring information. MATERIALS AND METHODS eContour (http://econtour.org) was developed using modern Web technologies, primarily HTML5, Python, and JavaScript, to display JPEGs generated from DICOM files from real patient cases. The viewer has standard tools for image manipulation as well as toggling of contours and overlayed images and radiation dose distributions. Brief written content references published guidelines for contour delineation. Mixpanel software was used to collect Web page usage statistics. RESULTS In the first 3 years of operation (March 8, 2016 to March 7, 2019), a total of 13,391 users from 128 countries registered on the Web site, including 2,358 physicians from the United States. High-frequency users were more likely to be physicians (P < .001) and from the United States (P < .001). In one 6-month period, there were 68,642 individual case page views, with head-and-neck the most commonly viewed disease site (32%). Users who accessed a head-and-neck case were more likely to be high-frequency users, and 67% of repeat users accessed the same case more than once. CONCLUSION The large, diverse user base and steady growth in Web site traffic over the first 3 years of eContour demonstrate its strong potential to address the unmet need for dissemination and use of evidence-based contouring information at the point of care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Diana Lin
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | | | | | - Zhigang Zhang
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
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Haupt TS, Dow T, Smyth M, Toguri JT, Roberts A, Raju KL, Bowes D. Medical Student Exposure to Radiation Oncology Through the Pre-clerkship Residency Exploration Program (PREP): Effect on Career Interest and Understanding of Radiation Oncology. JOURNAL OF CANCER EDUCATION : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER EDUCATION 2020; 35:388-394. [PMID: 30671893 DOI: 10.1007/s13187-019-1477-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Medical students receive little exposure to Radiation Oncology (RO) during pre-clinical training and clerkship. Pre-clerkship Residency Exploration Program (PREP) was developed by medical students at our institution to provide students with exposure to disciplines like RO with which they may not have had previous exposure, with the goal of helping with career decision making. The purpose of this study was to review how PREP affected self-reported interest in RO. PREP is a 2-week intensive elective developed by students at Dalhousie University that provides exposure to 12 specialties, including RO. PREP includes five components: half day clinical rotations, skills sessions, simulations, specialty-specific workshops, and lunchtime panel discussions. PREP participants completed questionnaires pre- and post-participation to assess career interest and understanding of Radiation Oncology. Forty participants took part in PREP. Thirty-six responded to pre-PREP questionnaires and 37 to the post-PREP questionnaire. Participants reported increasing interest in RO (24 students, 64.8%) and an increase in the understanding of the role and responsibilities of a radiation oncologist such that they felt comfortable making a career decision about RO. In pre-PREP, five (13.8%) participants listed RO as a top 3 career choice. Post-program, this number increased to nine (25.0%) of the same surveyed participants. PREP has demonstrated early exposure to RO can increase interest in RO as a career choice. Early clinical exposure experiences like we describe here may be useful for specialties such as RO, which is having difficulty filling residency positions in Canada despite an optimistic job forecast for trainees.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Sebastian Haupt
- Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Todd Dow
- Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Mike Smyth
- Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - J Thomas Toguri
- Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Alysha Roberts
- Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - K L Raju
- Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - David Bowes
- Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dalhousie University, 5820 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1V7, Canada.
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Klufas A, Shin G, Raphael R, Sarfaty SC, Hirsch AE. A Thorough Analysis of the Current State of Cancer Education in Medical Schools and Application of Experimental Teaching Techniques and Their Efficacy. ADVANCES IN MEDICAL EDUCATION AND PRACTICE 2020; 11:931-946. [PMID: 33293885 PMCID: PMC7719335 DOI: 10.2147/amep.s268382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Newly diagnosed cases of cancer are expected to double by the year 2040. Although many different oncology teaching initiatives have been implemented, many students continue to report uncertainty when dealing with patients with cancer. Through this review, we aim to find the most effective teaching methods to better prepare future physicians. Papers studying different methods of teaching oncology were identified through a thorough review of specific electronic databases. Each study was analyzed and sorted into one of ten unique categories created by the authors specifically for this review. If portions of the study fit into multiple categories, relevant results would be analyzed in all applicable areas. Additionally, papers were separated and analyzed by country of origin, preclinical or clinical interventional basis, and quantitative versus qualitative form of statistical analysis. A total of 115 papers from 26 different countries and regions were included in the final analysis. 91.4% of papers analyzing Lecture and Small Group Discussions indicated a positive impact. 97.1% of papers analyzing Clinical Practice and Simulation indicated a positive impact. 100% of papers analyzing Early Experience and Mentorship, Summer Programs and Voluntary Electives, use of Multidisciplinary Teams, and Role Play stated that these methods had a positive impact. 50% of papers analyzing Computer/Web Based Programs indicated a positive impact. Clinical Practice and Simulation, Role Play, Summer/Elective Programs and interventions involving Multidisciplinary Team Work all appeared to be most effective. Intensive Block Programs, Didactic Lectures/Small Group Discussions, and Computer/Web Based Education tools as a whole were variable. General Review papers showed continued variability in domestic and international oncology curricula. Incorporation of effective teaching interventions should be highly considered in the future creation of standardized oncology curricula in order to best prepare the next generation of physicians. Future studies could explore the differing efficacies of teaching interventions in the postgraduate versus graduate realms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Klufas
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Grace Shin
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ryan Raphael
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Suzanne C Sarfaty
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ariel E Hirsch
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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10
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Redmond CE, Healy GM, Fleming H, McCann JW, Moran DE, Heffernan EJ. The Integration of Active Learning Teaching Strategies Into a Radiology Rotation for Medical Students Improves Radiological Interpretation Skills and Attitudes Toward Radiology. Curr Probl Diagn Radiol 2019; 49:386-391. [PMID: 31375296 DOI: 10.1067/j.cpradiol.2019.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2019] [Revised: 07/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE In recent years, there has been increased recognition of the benefits of teaching by active learning. However, there is a paucity of experimental studies utilizing active learning in undergraduate radiology rotations, which is traditionally a passive learning experience. We designed a new radiology rotation that integrated teaching by active learning. We prospectively examined the efficacy of this new rotation compared to our standard rotation in terms of students' radiological competency and attitudes toward radiology, as well as impact on departmental efficiency. METHODS This was a prospective cohort study involving fourth year medical students completing a 1-week radiology rotation at our department between January and April 2018. One cohort completed a rotational model which incorporated active learning sessions (integrated cohort) while the remainder were taught using traditional passive learning methods (standard cohort). All participants completed a radiology examination before and after the rotation and were surveyed on their attitudes toward radiology. RESULTS A total of 105 students enrolled in the study. The mean postrotation competency score obtained by the integrated cohort was significantly higher than that obtained by the standard cohort (82% vs 62%; P < 0.001). The integrated rotation freed up 7 hours of radiologists' time per week. While the students completing the integrated rotation had a more positive perception of radiology, they were no more likely to express a desire to pursue a career in radiology. CONCLUSIONS The integration of active learning sessions into an undergraduate radiology rotation results in an improvement in students' postrotation radiological competency and attitudes toward radiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciaran E Redmond
- Department of Radiology, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Gerard M Healy
- Department of Radiology, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Hannah Fleming
- Department of Radiology, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jeffrey W McCann
- Department of Radiology, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Deirdre E Moran
- Department of Radiology, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Eric J Heffernan
- Department of Radiology, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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11
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Nicholls L, Bravery B, Chelvarajah R, Shi K, Tieu MT, Turner S, Windsor A. The status of radiation oncology teaching in Australian and New Zealand medical schools. J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol 2018; 62:828-834. [PMID: 30074292 DOI: 10.1111/1754-9485.12788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Radiation therapy is a core component of curative and palliative cancer treatment; however, its indications and benefits remain poorly understood across the medical profession. METHODS An electronic survey focussing on curriculum content, teaching and assessment in radiation oncology and plans for curriculum change was developed. The Faculty of Radiation Oncology, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiology (RANZCR) distributed the survey to all 24 Australian and New Zealand medical schools. The survey was conducted from November 2017 to January 2018 following ethics approval. RESULTS Sixteen of the 24 (67%) medical Faculties in Australia and New Zealand responded. Ninety-four percent of Faculties had no formal radiation oncology curriculum. Most Faculties (87%) dedicated <15% of the total medical course to oncology, of which the majority (63%) dedicated <10% to radiation oncology. At least 50% of Faculties did not offer formal radiation oncology teaching to all students. When offered, students' exposure to radiation oncology was often <5 days over the entire course (44%). The majority of medical schools (73%) are planning curriculum changes in the next 5 years; however, most have no intention of changing radiation oncology teaching. CONCLUSION Radiation oncology continues to be underrepresented in medical curricula throughout Australia and New Zealand with no plans for improvement by Faculties. This study supports the need for formal advocacy for improving radiation oncology education in medical schools and will form the basis of new national recommendations for radiation oncology curriculum development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Nicholls
- Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ben Bravery
- School of Medicine, University of Notre Dame Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Kate Shi
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Minh Thi Tieu
- University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Radiation Oncology Department, Calvary Mater Hospital, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sandra Turner
- Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Faculty of Radiation Oncology, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Apsara Windsor
- University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Faculty of Radiation Oncology, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Central Coast Cancer Centre, Gosford, New South Wales, Australia
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