Developing the Scope of Practice for a Specialized Pediatric and AYA Radiation Therapist

Objectives

Specialised radiation therapists (RT) are necessary in the management of paediatric and adolescent young adult (AYA) patients. This unique population present with a heterogenous range of diagnoses and has needs different to older adults. This includes specific requirements for radiation therapy planning and treatment. Work has been done to establish the pathway to advanced practice (AP) in Australia however there are currently no guideline to outline core competencies of paediatric/AYA RTs. Scope of practice is determined by departments who choose to support advance practice roles and the skills of the individuals in those roles.

This review aims to identify areas of practice within the paediatric/AYA AP role which will be used to establish a scope of practice and lead to development of an education pathway for future radiation therapists.

Methods

Tasks and role descriptions were collected from current practicing paediatric/AYA specialist radiation therapists. This information was used to inform a survey which was sent to radiation oncologists and radiation therapists working in paediatric centres in Australia and New Zealand.

Results

Results show multiple areas where there can be impact by the advanced practitioner across the patient's treatment journey. This includes time savings for the radiation oncologist with tasks that would traditionally fall to them which could be carried out by an appropriately trained radiation therapist.