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Remote access to treatment planning software for pre-registration radiation therapy education: a single-case feasibility study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 March 2015

Pete Bridge  and
Simon Burrage
Pete Bridge*
Affiliation:
School of Clinical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Simon Burrage
Affiliation:
School of Clinical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
*
Correspondence to: Pete Bridge, School of Clinical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George Street, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia. E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Aim

This single-case feasibility study presents an undergraduate radiotherapy student’s experiences of remote access to University treatment planning software in place of on-site practical learning. With clinical sites increasingly utilising telemedicine there is interest in educational applications of this technology.

Materials and methods

This was an unplanned study with the student initiating remote access; additional tutor support was provided as requested. Subsequent discussion between the tutor and student formed the basis for the presented findings.

Results

A second-year student planned five assessment cases from home, supported by regular on-campus tutorials. The student saved a 2-hour journey per practical and gained additional planning practice time. Unit performance was 10% less than a previous Unit, but student satisfaction with the format was high.

Findings

Educational remote access to treatment planning software is logistically feasible, although strict guidelines and formal tutor support is vital. Remote access can alleviate pressure on facilities and improve student time efficiency. Controlled and supported provision of remote access to planning software could enhance on-site practical teaching sessions for more mature independent learners. Further cohort-wide studies could clarify advantages, disadvantages and possible role of remote access for radiotherapy planning education.

Keywords

educationradiotherapy planningremote accesssoftware
Type
Original Articles
Information
Journal of Radiotherapy in Practice , Volume 14 , Issue 2 , June 2015 , pp. 180 - 186
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Copyright
© Cambridge University Press 2015 

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