1. An investigation of digital skills of therapeutic radiographers/radiation therapists: A european survey of proficiency level and future educational needs.
- Author
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Barbosa B, Oliveira C, Bravo I, Couto JG, Antunes L, McFadden S, Hughes C, McClure P, Rodrigues J, and Dias AG
- Subjects
- Humans, Surveys and Questionnaires, Communication, Europe, Delivery of Health Care, Radiation Oncology
- Abstract
Introduction: This study aims to assess the proficiency level of digital skills, the factors influencing that level and the training needs of Therapeutic Radiographers/Radiation Therapists (TR/RTTs), due to the differences in technology availability and accessibility, variations in the regulation and education of TR/RTTs in European countries, and the lack of a digital skills framework., Methods: An online survey was distributed to TR/RTTs working in Europe to capture their self-assessment of proficiency levels of digital skills when performing their clinical role. Information was also gathered regarding training, work experience and level of information and communication technology (ICT) skills. Quantitative measures were analysed using descriptive statistics and correlation between variables, and qualitative responses using thematic analysis., Results: 101 respondents from 13 European countries completed the survey. Digital skills in treatment planning followed by management and research were the least developed skills, while the most developed were transversal digital skills followed by digital skills in treatment delivery. The Radiotherapy areas of practice where TR/RTT has experience (e.g. Planning Image, Treatment Planning, Treatment), as well as the level of generic ICT skills (communication, content creation and problem-solving), was related to the level of proficiency of TR/RTT digital skills. Greater scope of practice and level of generic ICT were associated with a higher level of TR/RTT digital skills. Thematic analysis allowed the identification of new sub-themes to be included in the training of TR/RTTs., Conclusion: Education and training of TR/RTTs should be improved and adapted to the current needs of digitalisation to avoid differences in digital proficiency levels., Implications for Practice: Aligning TR/RTTs' digital skill sets with emerging digitalisation will improve current practice and ensure the best care to all RT patients., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest statement This work was co-funded by the SAFE EUROPE project under the Erasmus+ Sector Skill Alliances programme [grant agreement 2018-2993/001-001]. The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein. Jéssica Rodrigues is supported by a PhD fellowship from Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, Portugal (UI/BD/152282/2021)., (Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2023
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