Case report: A novel model for educating radiation therapists in small countries: Case study of the "Train the Trainer" initiative in Israel

Tamar Katzman; Zvi Symon; Esti Shelly; Osnat Luxenburg

doi:10.1016/j.tipsro.2018.09.004

Case report: A novel model for educating radiation therapists in small countries: Case study of the "Train the Trainer" initiative in Israel

Tech Innov Patient Support Radiat Oncol. 2018 Nov 13:8:10-12. doi: 10.1016/j.tipsro.2018.09.004. eCollection 2018 Dec.

Authors

Tamar Katzman^{1

2}, Zvi Symon^{1

2

3}, Esti Shelly⁴, Osnat Luxenburg⁴

Affiliations

¹ National Centre for Radiotherapy Education, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan 52621, Israel.
² Department of Radiation Oncology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan 52621, Israel.
³ The Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
⁴ Medical Technology, Health Information and Research Directorate, Ministry of Health, POB 1176, Jerusalem 9101002, Israel.

Abstract

Introduction: Israel, as a small country faces many challenges to deliver quality RTT education. As technologies evolve, the need for RTT education becomes acute. This resulted in the Ministry of Health, IAEA and ESTRO running the train the trainers (TTT) program in a unique format.

Method: An expanded TTT program was run in Israel. This resulted in the establishment of the National Center for Radiotherapy Education (NCRE). Key elements of the NCRE include national leadership, high-tech teaching environment, simulation based teaching methodologies, and evidence based education.Educational outcomes of the RTT course run in the NCRE were measured and statistically analysed.

Results: The measurement of educational outcome was highly significant (p < 0.00001). The feedback from the course was very positive, with a high aggregate data mean score for all questions pertaining to the effect the course has on work, and efficient use of time.

Discussion: The success of the RTT course of the NCRE is evident from the results. The impact of the TTT program went beyond RTT education, as the NRCE is a national radiotherapy education resource, utilized by all radiotherapy professionals.

Conclusion: More knowledgeable RTTs may be able to work in advanced roles, taking on tasks from other sectors in the department; this could improve the efficiency of patient care and improve the safety of radiotherapy delivery.

Keywords: RTT education; Simulation based education; Train the Trainers.

Publication types

Case Reports