Perceptions on site-specific advanced practice roles for radiation therapists in Singapore - A single centre study

Li Hoon Lim; Eric Pei Ping Pang; Hansa Jadva-Patel; Sharon Mei Mei Wong

doi:10.1016/j.tipsro.2019.11.010

Perceptions on site-specific advanced practice roles for radiation therapists in Singapore - A single centre study

Tech Innov Patient Support Radiat Oncol. 2020 Jan 2:13:17-20. doi: 10.1016/j.tipsro.2019.11.010. eCollection 2020 Mar.

Authors

Li Hoon Lim^{1

2}, Eric Pei Ping Pang¹, Hansa Jadva-Patel², Sharon Mei Mei Wong¹

Affiliations

¹ Division of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 11 Hospital Crescent, Singapore 169610, Singapore.
² School of Radiography, Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education, Kingston University & St George's, University of London, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 2EE, United Kingdom.

Abstract

Perception of the radiation oncologists (ROs) and radiation therapists (RTTs) on site-specific advanced practice (SSAP) roles for RTTs, the establishment of SSAP in radiotherapy and the possible implication on current services in Singapore were assessed. Opinions of ROs and RTTs on management support, driving forces, restraints and implication upon successful establishment of SSAP were obtained. Main findings include strong RO's support for SSAP development and RTTs' requisition for fair opportunities on role development. Other potential benefits include RTTs' career advancement, job satisfaction and retention. Enhancement of inter-professional relationship, service quality and patient satisfaction is anticipated with greater communication and collaboration.

Keywords: APRT; Advanced practice radiation therapist; Radiation therapy; Role expansion; Site-specific advanced practice.