Following development of a framework to establish the scope of advanced practice for radiation th... more Following development of a framework to establish the scope of advanced practice for radiation therapists (APRTs), a Canadian certification process was built. This involved three independently-assessed phases: professional portfolio, case submission, and oral examination. The oral examination was to test the candidate's knowledge and capacity for decision-making. Development and piloting involved 3 elements: 1) content development, including relevant case selection, with accompanying high-fidelity imaging and resources; 2) harnessing of technology and ensuing logistics, given the desire to offer the examination online, maximizing accessibility and minimizing resources; and 3) examiner recruitment and preparation, involving a national call for interprofessional examiners, to assess across the spectrum of competencies. Each element was approached systematically, with modifications made iteratively. Three overarching challenges required ongoing attention and consideration: resource...
131 Background: Due to the rising incidence of cancer, increasing complexity of cancer treatment ... more 131 Background: Due to the rising incidence of cancer, increasing complexity of cancer treatment and growing resource constraints, there is demand for innovative interprofessional models of care. Cancer Care Ontario (CCO), in collaboration with Ontario’s Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, launched the Clinical Specialist Radiation Therapist (CSRT) project to investigate a new advanced practice (AP) radiation therapy (RT) role. Methods: A series of pilot phases commenced in 2004. A system wide implementation phase began in 2010. The overall goal of the project was to enable CSRTs to assume responsibility for certain key radiation medicine activities, optimize RT team functioning, and improve quality of care. This was to be achieved by applying advanced clinical, technical and professional RT competencies. A project team coordinated assessment of new position proposals, implementation activities, and data collection. Work towards formalizing the role is being conducted through par...
Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, 2013
Ten Years of Advanced Practice in Ontario: Reflections and Recollections Amanda Bolderston, RTT, ... more Ten Years of Advanced Practice in Ontario: Reflections and Recollections Amanda Bolderston, RTT, FCAMRT, Marcia Smoke, RTT, ACT, Donna Lewis, RTT and Nicole Harnett, RTT, ACT British Columbia Cancer Agency, British Columbia, Canada b Juravinski Cancer Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada Odette Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada www.elsevier.com/locate/jmir
Following development of a framework to establish the scope of advanced practice for radiation th... more Following development of a framework to establish the scope of advanced practice for radiation therapists (APRTs), a Canadian certification process was built. This involved three independently-assessed phases: professional portfolio, case submission, and oral examination. The oral examination was to test the candidate's knowledge and capacity for decision-making. Development and piloting involved 3 elements: 1) content development, including relevant case selection, with accompanying high-fidelity imaging and resources; 2) harnessing of technology and ensuing logistics, given the desire to offer the examination online, maximizing accessibility and minimizing resources; and 3) examiner recruitment and preparation, involving a national call for interprofessional examiners, to assess across the spectrum of competencies. Each element was approached systematically, with modifications made iteratively. Three overarching challenges required ongoing attention and consideration: resource...
In radiation therapy, verification images are taken to ensure correct field and patient positioni... more In radiation therapy, verification images are taken to ensure correct field and patient positioning. A previous study examining the concordance between radiation therapists (RTs) and radiation oncologists (ROs) when evaluating hard copy verification films found excellent agreement. There was very little in the published literature about how this information could be transferred to digital imaging field verification. This study was
Aims: This study explores radiation therapists’ understanding and interpretations
of the concept ... more Aims: This study explores radiation therapists’ understanding and interpretations of the concept of caring within their profession. Background: Health professions’ concepts of care have been explored in disciplines such as nursing and medicine. However, there has been little previous attempt to describe what caring means to radiation therapists. Methods: A qualitative phenomenological approach was used and 27 radiation therapists were interviewed in four focus groups. Discussions were transcribed and analysis was performed to identify themes from the data. Results: Threeoverarching themes emergedfromthedata:humanconnection establishedbetween radiation therapists and patients, technical care as the use of technology and procedures in treatment planning and delivery, and the therapist’s unique identity as compared to other professions. Conclusions: The concept of carewas seen by radiation therapists primarily as a supportive relationship with the patient but they were unable to agree if the technical aspects and procedures were considered a part of caring. Further research is needed to further examine the connection between technology and care.
The Clinical Specialist Radiation Therapist (CSRT) Project
in Ontario is 10 years old this year!
... more The Clinical Specialist Radiation Therapist (CSRT) Project in Ontario is 10 years old this year! In the fall of 2003, the Ontario Radiation Therapy Advanced Practice group (ORTAP), a group of radiation therapy managers, educators, and practitioners, organized a symposium in Toronto to bring together people who were interested in developing advanced practice roles. The daylong discussion included representatives from all over Canada and practitioners from the United Kingdom who shared the work that had been happening in their country. After that meeting of the minds, the project gained momentum. Over the next few years, both Cancer Care Ontario (CCO) and the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (MOHLTC) provided the funding and support needed for the project to develop from an idea to the successful implementation of 17 advanced practice positions across the province. The MOHLTC also added a new name for the role–the Clinical Specialist Radiation Therapist (CSRT). The enormous amount of data gathered over the last 10 years shows the very positive outcomes these therapists are achieving in patient care, improved quality, and access to services. Recently, four of the radiation therapists who have been working with the project since its inception sat down together at the RTi3 Conference in Toronto to talk about some of the history, high
Canadian Journal of Medical Radiation Technology, 2007
In radiation therapy, verification images are taken to ensure correct field and patient positioni... more In radiation therapy, verification images are taken to ensure correct field and patient positioning. A previous study examining the concordance between radiation therapists (RTs) and radiation oncologists (ROs) when evaluating hard copy verification films found excellent agreement. There was very little in the published literature about how this information could be transferred to digital imaging field verification. This study was
This letter to the Editor is in response to the paper ‘Conceptualisation of the characteristics ... more This letter to the Editor is in response to the paper ‘Conceptualisation of the characteristics advanced practitioners in the medical radiation professions’ by Smith et al. and the subsequent letter from Jenny Sim. The writers agree that research should be explicitly listed in the conceptual model of advanced practice, and provide some evidence and viewpoints from over a decade of advanced practice work in Canada.
Following development of a framework to establish the scope of advanced practice for radiation th... more Following development of a framework to establish the scope of advanced practice for radiation therapists (APRTs), a Canadian certification process was built. This involved three independently-assessed phases: professional portfolio, case submission, and oral examination. The oral examination was to test the candidate's knowledge and capacity for decision-making. Development and piloting involved 3 elements: 1) content development, including relevant case selection, with accompanying high-fidelity imaging and resources; 2) harnessing of technology and ensuing logistics, given the desire to offer the examination online, maximizing accessibility and minimizing resources; and 3) examiner recruitment and preparation, involving a national call for interprofessional examiners, to assess across the spectrum of competencies. Each element was approached systematically, with modifications made iteratively. Three overarching challenges required ongoing attention and consideration: resource...
131 Background: Due to the rising incidence of cancer, increasing complexity of cancer treatment ... more 131 Background: Due to the rising incidence of cancer, increasing complexity of cancer treatment and growing resource constraints, there is demand for innovative interprofessional models of care. Cancer Care Ontario (CCO), in collaboration with Ontario’s Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, launched the Clinical Specialist Radiation Therapist (CSRT) project to investigate a new advanced practice (AP) radiation therapy (RT) role. Methods: A series of pilot phases commenced in 2004. A system wide implementation phase began in 2010. The overall goal of the project was to enable CSRTs to assume responsibility for certain key radiation medicine activities, optimize RT team functioning, and improve quality of care. This was to be achieved by applying advanced clinical, technical and professional RT competencies. A project team coordinated assessment of new position proposals, implementation activities, and data collection. Work towards formalizing the role is being conducted through par...
Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, 2013
Ten Years of Advanced Practice in Ontario: Reflections and Recollections Amanda Bolderston, RTT, ... more Ten Years of Advanced Practice in Ontario: Reflections and Recollections Amanda Bolderston, RTT, FCAMRT, Marcia Smoke, RTT, ACT, Donna Lewis, RTT and Nicole Harnett, RTT, ACT British Columbia Cancer Agency, British Columbia, Canada b Juravinski Cancer Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada Odette Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada www.elsevier.com/locate/jmir
Following development of a framework to establish the scope of advanced practice for radiation th... more Following development of a framework to establish the scope of advanced practice for radiation therapists (APRTs), a Canadian certification process was built. This involved three independently-assessed phases: professional portfolio, case submission, and oral examination. The oral examination was to test the candidate's knowledge and capacity for decision-making. Development and piloting involved 3 elements: 1) content development, including relevant case selection, with accompanying high-fidelity imaging and resources; 2) harnessing of technology and ensuing logistics, given the desire to offer the examination online, maximizing accessibility and minimizing resources; and 3) examiner recruitment and preparation, involving a national call for interprofessional examiners, to assess across the spectrum of competencies. Each element was approached systematically, with modifications made iteratively. Three overarching challenges required ongoing attention and consideration: resource...
In radiation therapy, verification images are taken to ensure correct field and patient positioni... more In radiation therapy, verification images are taken to ensure correct field and patient positioning. A previous study examining the concordance between radiation therapists (RTs) and radiation oncologists (ROs) when evaluating hard copy verification films found excellent agreement. There was very little in the published literature about how this information could be transferred to digital imaging field verification. This study was
Aims: This study explores radiation therapists’ understanding and interpretations
of the concept ... more Aims: This study explores radiation therapists’ understanding and interpretations of the concept of caring within their profession. Background: Health professions’ concepts of care have been explored in disciplines such as nursing and medicine. However, there has been little previous attempt to describe what caring means to radiation therapists. Methods: A qualitative phenomenological approach was used and 27 radiation therapists were interviewed in four focus groups. Discussions were transcribed and analysis was performed to identify themes from the data. Results: Threeoverarching themes emergedfromthedata:humanconnection establishedbetween radiation therapists and patients, technical care as the use of technology and procedures in treatment planning and delivery, and the therapist’s unique identity as compared to other professions. Conclusions: The concept of carewas seen by radiation therapists primarily as a supportive relationship with the patient but they were unable to agree if the technical aspects and procedures were considered a part of caring. Further research is needed to further examine the connection between technology and care.
The Clinical Specialist Radiation Therapist (CSRT) Project
in Ontario is 10 years old this year!
... more The Clinical Specialist Radiation Therapist (CSRT) Project in Ontario is 10 years old this year! In the fall of 2003, the Ontario Radiation Therapy Advanced Practice group (ORTAP), a group of radiation therapy managers, educators, and practitioners, organized a symposium in Toronto to bring together people who were interested in developing advanced practice roles. The daylong discussion included representatives from all over Canada and practitioners from the United Kingdom who shared the work that had been happening in their country. After that meeting of the minds, the project gained momentum. Over the next few years, both Cancer Care Ontario (CCO) and the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (MOHLTC) provided the funding and support needed for the project to develop from an idea to the successful implementation of 17 advanced practice positions across the province. The MOHLTC also added a new name for the role–the Clinical Specialist Radiation Therapist (CSRT). The enormous amount of data gathered over the last 10 years shows the very positive outcomes these therapists are achieving in patient care, improved quality, and access to services. Recently, four of the radiation therapists who have been working with the project since its inception sat down together at the RTi3 Conference in Toronto to talk about some of the history, high
Canadian Journal of Medical Radiation Technology, 2007
In radiation therapy, verification images are taken to ensure correct field and patient positioni... more In radiation therapy, verification images are taken to ensure correct field and patient positioning. A previous study examining the concordance between radiation therapists (RTs) and radiation oncologists (ROs) when evaluating hard copy verification films found excellent agreement. There was very little in the published literature about how this information could be transferred to digital imaging field verification. This study was
This letter to the Editor is in response to the paper ‘Conceptualisation of the characteristics ... more This letter to the Editor is in response to the paper ‘Conceptualisation of the characteristics advanced practitioners in the medical radiation professions’ by Smith et al. and the subsequent letter from Jenny Sim. The writers agree that research should be explicitly listed in the conceptual model of advanced practice, and provide some evidence and viewpoints from over a decade of advanced practice work in Canada.
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of the concept of caring within their profession.
Background: Health professions’ concepts of care have been explored in disciplines such as
nursing and medicine. However, there has been little previous attempt to describe what caring
means to radiation therapists.
Methods: A qualitative phenomenological approach was used and 27 radiation therapists were
interviewed in four focus groups. Discussions were transcribed and analysis was performed to
identify themes from the data.
Results: Threeoverarching themes emergedfromthedata:humanconnection establishedbetween
radiation therapists and patients, technical care as the use of technology and procedures in treatment
planning and delivery, and the therapist’s unique identity as compared to other professions.
Conclusions: The concept of carewas seen by radiation therapists primarily as a supportive relationship
with the patient but they were unable to agree if the technical aspects and procedures were
considered a part of caring. Further research is needed to further examine the connection between
technology and care.
in Ontario is 10 years old this year!
In the fall of 2003, the Ontario Radiation Therapy
Advanced Practice group (ORTAP), a group of radiation
therapy managers, educators, and practitioners, organized a
symposium in Toronto to bring together people who were
interested in developing advanced practice roles. The daylong
discussion included representatives from all over Canada
and practitioners from the United Kingdom who shared the
work that had been happening in their country. After that
meeting of the minds, the project gained momentum. Over
the next few years, both Cancer Care Ontario (CCO) and
the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (MOHLTC)
provided the funding and support needed for the project to
develop from an idea to the successful implementation of
17 advanced practice positions across the province. The
MOHLTC also added a new name for the role–the Clinical
Specialist Radiation Therapist (CSRT). The enormous
amount of data gathered over the last 10 years shows the
very positive outcomes these therapists are achieving in patient
care, improved quality, and access to services.
Recently, four of the radiation therapists who have been
working with the project since its inception sat down together
at the RTi3 Conference in Toronto to talk about some of the
history, high
of the concept of caring within their profession.
Background: Health professions’ concepts of care have been explored in disciplines such as
nursing and medicine. However, there has been little previous attempt to describe what caring
means to radiation therapists.
Methods: A qualitative phenomenological approach was used and 27 radiation therapists were
interviewed in four focus groups. Discussions were transcribed and analysis was performed to
identify themes from the data.
Results: Threeoverarching themes emergedfromthedata:humanconnection establishedbetween
radiation therapists and patients, technical care as the use of technology and procedures in treatment
planning and delivery, and the therapist’s unique identity as compared to other professions.
Conclusions: The concept of carewas seen by radiation therapists primarily as a supportive relationship
with the patient but they were unable to agree if the technical aspects and procedures were
considered a part of caring. Further research is needed to further examine the connection between
technology and care.
in Ontario is 10 years old this year!
In the fall of 2003, the Ontario Radiation Therapy
Advanced Practice group (ORTAP), a group of radiation
therapy managers, educators, and practitioners, organized a
symposium in Toronto to bring together people who were
interested in developing advanced practice roles. The daylong
discussion included representatives from all over Canada
and practitioners from the United Kingdom who shared the
work that had been happening in their country. After that
meeting of the minds, the project gained momentum. Over
the next few years, both Cancer Care Ontario (CCO) and
the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (MOHLTC)
provided the funding and support needed for the project to
develop from an idea to the successful implementation of
17 advanced practice positions across the province. The
MOHLTC also added a new name for the role–the Clinical
Specialist Radiation Therapist (CSRT). The enormous
amount of data gathered over the last 10 years shows the
very positive outcomes these therapists are achieving in patient
care, improved quality, and access to services.
Recently, four of the radiation therapists who have been
working with the project since its inception sat down together
at the RTi3 Conference in Toronto to talk about some of the
history, high