ESTRO 2020 Abstract book

S1130 ESTRO 2020

guidelines and resources were also identified as important to support the delivery of advice to those living with and beyond cancer. PO-1934 Multidisciplinary training using a virtual environment in radiotherapy A. Williams 1 , U. Shah 1 , Y.M. Tsang 1 1 Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, Cancer centre- Radiotherapy, Abbots Langley, United Kingdom Purpose or Objective This study aims to demonstrate how training introducing the basic concepts of radiotherapy (RT) can be implemented effectively in a multi-disciplinary setting using a virtual reality environment. Material and Methods The training tutorial is delivered by a senior radiation therapist (RTT) using a virtual reality training tool (visual demonstration). The tutorial includes how RT works, radical/palliative treatments, immobilisation devices, RT planning and delivery of intensity modulated RT, image guided RT and, adaptive RT. The trainees were asked to complete pre and post tutorial questionnaires which were designed to assess the effectiveness of training in relation to the trainees’ knowledge and in confidence speaking to patients about RT. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to investigate if there was any significant difference in RT knowledge and confidence of trainees pre and post tutorial. The data was then categorised into 2 groups as clinical and non-clinical staff. Mann Whitney test was used to determine if there was any significant difference in RT knowledge and confidence of trainees post tutorial between the two From June 2019 to July 2019, fifty trainees from twelve multidisciplinary team (MDT) specialities attended the tutorial using the virtual reality training tool. 88% reported a greater understanding of RT that could be used within their role. All attendees felt training was appropriate for their experience and would recommend it to their peers. As suggested in table 1, statistically significant differences were seen in RT knowledge and confidence of trainees post tutorial (p<0.05). Non-clinical staff achieved greater benefit in RT knowledge than the clinical group and this was statistically significant (p<0.05). Qualitative data revealed positive comments by trainees including: “It was totally fascinating and informative; the slides were just the right level of detail, the images clear and compelling.” “I volunteer and patients often want to talk about their experiences of radiotherapy. This will help me understand what they go through, and support them better as a result.” groups. Results

Poster: RTT track: Education and training/role development

PO-1933 Radiation therapists' knowledge, attitudes and practices in delivering lifestyle advice. N. Pallin 1,2 , R. Beeken 2,3 , K. Pritchard-Jones 4 , N. Woznitza 5 , A. Fisher 2 1 London South Bank University, Health & Social Care, London, United Kingdom ; 2 University College London, Department of Behavioural Science and Health, London, United Kingdom ; 3 University of Leeds, School of Medicine, Leeds, United Kingdom ; 4 University College London, Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom ; 5 Homerton University Hospital, Radiology, London, United Kingdom Purpose or Objective It is well established that healthy lifestyle behaviours implemented by cancer survivors after a diagnosis improve multiple outcomes. These behaviours include eating a healthy diet, being active, not smoking and limiting alcohol intake. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) are well placed to provide lifestyle advice and to bring about positive lifestyle behaviours among cancer patients and are expected to deliver lifestyle advice. However, research to date consistently shows that few oncology HCPs do this. Therapeutic radiographers are well placed to deliver lifestyle advice and despite approximately 50% of cancer patients receiving radiotherapy as part of their treatment no research has been undertaken to investigate the barriers among therapeutic radiographers' in delivering advice. This study aimed to address this and identify therapeutic radiographers' practices, barriers and facilitators in providing lifestyle advice to those living with and beyond cancer. Material and Methods A mixed method approach was undertaken using an anonymous online survey and individual phone interviews with therapeutic radiographers. Questionnaire data were analysed using descriptive statistics and data from the interviews were analysed using framework analysis. Results Five-hundred and eighty-three responded to the survey and fifteen individual phone interviews were carried out until data saturation was reached. Levels of enquiry and provision of lifestyle advice were low, with the survey findings showing that less than 25% of therapeutic radiographers advise patients on physical activity, healthy eating, weight management, smoking cessation and reducing alcohol intake as standard practice. The findings from both the survey and interviews showed that those who do deliver lifestyle advice, the advice provided to patients is often only in the context of minimising radiotherapy related side effects. Logistic regression analysis showed that awareness of guidelines for each health behaviour was associated with increased likelihood of therapeutic radiographers enquiring about patients’ lifestyle behaviours and providing lifestyle advice for all health behaviours. Lack of knowledge and training were identified as barriers to the delivery of advice, in addition to perceived lack of patient interest and lack of time. The overarching theme from the interviews was that therapeutic radiographers desire to provide lifestyle advice, however this is not always matched by knowledge The findings of this study show that the provision of lifestyle advice among therapeutic radiographers is sub- optimal. Education and training is an area that needs addressing to support therapeutic radiographers in delivering lifestyle advice. Therapeutic radiographers reported a strong desire to undergo training to enable them in delivering lifestyle advice. Provision of lifestyle and action. Conclusion