Perceptions on site-specific advanced practice roles for radiation therapists in Singapore - A single centre study.
Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Lim LH
PROVIDER: S-EPMC7042154 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Mar
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Publications
Perceptions on site-specific advanced practice roles for radiation therapists in Singapore - A single centre study.
Lim Li Hoon LH Pang Eric Pei Ping EPP Jadva-Patel Hansa H Wong Sharon Mei Mei SMM
Technical innovations & patient support in radiation oncology 20200102
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 opportu ...[more]
Similar Datasets
Project description:IntroductionAdvanced practice roles are well documented, and continue to respond to the changing landscape in radiotherapy and oncology. In the UK the highest level of AP for the therapeutic radiographer/radiation therapist (RTT) is the consultant radiographer. These posts should meet the four domains of practice, as set out in national guidance. Here we aim to describe well established roles that meet this criteria, and provide subgroups of examples.MethodologyThree AP post holders with over 10 years AP experience completed a questionnaire adapted from the consultant radiographer toolkit. These were completed in conjunction with guidance and framework documents. The examples were to demonstrate how they achieve a high level of practice in clinical and expert practice; professional leadership and consultancy; education, training and development; and practice and service development, research and evaluation. Participants then categorised results to add subgroups to each domain.ResultsThe questionnaire was completed by three RTTs specialising as a lung consultant radiographer (LCR), a neuro-oncology consultant radiographer (NCR) and a lead research radiographer (RR). Each post holder described how they meet the criteria by discussing the benefit they make to their profession, department and patients. All posts had examples for all criteria, achieving consultant practice. Clinical and expert practice was the dominant domain for the clinical specialist posts, and professional leadership and research evaluation was the strongest domains for the RR.ConclusionAll three consultant RTTs have demonstrated expert practice with clear and transparent examples of their professional practice which evidence the four domains of consultant practice. Following two decades of AP practice for RTTs there is a need to be strategic in the development of future posts with a prospective view on succession planning that safeguards their longevity.
| S-EPMC8111037 | biostudies-literature
Project description:PurposeThere are no previous epidemiological studies to represent the trends of tibia fractures in the urban setting. The purpose of our study was to provide unique epidemiological information on the incidence of tibia fractures requiring admission in the urban population of Singapore.MethodsThis is a retrospective review of clinical and radiological records encompassing three years period from 2012 to 2014 in a tertiary hospital in Northern Singapore, which covers an adult population of 550,000. Clinical information included demographics, mechanism of injury, and Gustillo-Anderson classification. Radiological records were evaluated by two of the authors and fractures were classified using the AO classification after consensus was reached.ResultsThere were 214 cases of tibia fractures with a population incidence of 13 in 100,000. Among the tibia fractures, 47% were diaphyseal, 43% proximal and 10% distal. Majority of patients were males with a male to female ratio of 3 to 1. The mean age of females was 64 years while that of males was 40 years. The commonest mechanism of injury was road traffic accident, which contributed to 42% of cases, with motorcyclists making up 78% of all road traffic accidents. Compound fractures made up 23% of all fractures, most of which were Gustillo-Anderson type III; 69% of patients underwent surgical intervention.ConclusionThe incidence of tibia fractures is 13/100,000 with a male-to-female ratio of 3:1. This incidence is lower than other studies, but the proportion of open fractures were surprisingly high at 23%. Distribution of fractures was unimodal with a peak in younger men and older women. This may signify a component of fragility among tibia fractures, especially proximal and distal fractures, which peaks above the age of 80 years old.
| S-EPMC6488744 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Background and objectivesSeveral subgroups of the International Council of Nurses Nurse Practitioner/Advanced Practice Nurse Network (ICN NP/APNN) have periodically analyzed APN (nurse practitioner and clinical nurse specialist) development around the world. The primary objective of this study was to describe the global status of APN practice regarding scope of practice, education, regulation, and practice climate. An additional objective was to look for gaps in these same areas of role development in order to recommend future initiatives.MethodsAn online survey was developed by the research team, and included questions on APN practice roles, education, regulation/credentialing, and practice climate. The study was launched in August 2018 at the 10th Annual ICN NP/APNN Conference in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Links to the survey were provided there and via multiple platforms over the next year.ResultsSurvey results from 325 respondents, representing 26 countries, were analyzed through descriptive techniques. Although progress was reported, particularly in education, results indicated the APN profession around the world continues to struggle over titling, title protection, regulation development, credentialing, and barriers to practice.Conclusions and practice/policy relevanceAPNs have the potential to help the world reach the Sustainable Development Goal of universal health coverage. Several recommendations are provided to help ensure APNs achieve these goals.
| S-EPMC9205376 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectivesA framework for the advanced practice nurse (APN) role was developed in our Canadian Tertiary Care Centre, delineating five domains of advanced nursing practice: clinical practice, consultation, research, education and leadership. The goal of this study was to evaluate perceptions of the effectiveness of the implementation of an innovative APN role on an in-patient Neurosurgery unit.MethodsA pre-and-post implementation design, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative data, was utilized. An innovative APN role was implemented within the Neurosurgery program focusing on the clinical domain and required the successful candidates to be NP prepared. This APN role was designed to improve patient flow, documentation, communication and patient and staff satisfaction. Three primary outcomes were measured: pre-implementation questionnaire (nurses), post-implementation questionnaire (nurses and residents) and number of pages to the on-call resident.ResultsSurvey scores by nurses and residents indicated improvement across all aspects studied. Average scores increased from 1.1 to 2.6, reflecting an overall statistically significant increase. The number of pages to the on-call resident also showed a decrease.ConclusionPerceptions of patient care delivery and professional collaboration improved following implementation of the APN role. Responses indicated that APNs significantly impacted patient care and improved nurses and residents' job satisfaction.
| S-EPMC6626254 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Clinical practice and randomized trials often have disparate aims, despite involving similar interventions. Attitudes and expectancies of practitioners influence patient outcomes, and there is growing emphasis on optimizing provider-patient relationships. In this study, we evaluated the experiences of licensed massage therapists involved in a randomized controlled clinical trial using qualitative methodology.Seven massage therapists who were interventionists in a randomized controlled trial participated in structured interviews approximately 30 minutes in length. Interviews focused on their experiences and perceptions regarding aspects of the clinical trial, as well as recommendations for future trials. Transcribed interviews were analyzed for emergent topics and themes using standard qualitative methods.Six themes emerged. Therapists discussed 1) promoting the profession of massage therapy through research, 2) mixed views on using standardized protocols, 3) challenges of sham interventions, 4) participant response to the sham intervention, 5) views on scheduling and compensation, and 6) unanticipated benefits of participating in research.Therapists largely appreciated the opportunity to promote massage through research. They demonstrated insight and understanding of the rationale for a clinical trial adhering to a standardized protocol. Evaluating the experiences and ideas of complementary and alternative medicine practitioners provides valuable insight that is relevant for the implementation and design of randomized trials.
| S-EPMC4560530 | biostudies-other
Project description:IntroductionThe use of artificial intelligence (AI) has increased in medical radiation science, with advanced computing and modelling. Considering radiation therapists (RTs) perceptions of how this may affect their role is imperative, as this will contribute to increasing the efficiency of implementation and improve service delivery.MethodsA peer-reviewed anonymous survey was developed and completed by 105 RTs between April and June 2021. The online survey was distributed via the Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia and the Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy newsletter as well as professional networks. The survey gained perceptions of the impact of AI on radiation therapy practice and RTs roles within Australia, and data were analysed using quantitative data analysis and thematic analysis.ResultsAutomation is used throughout radiation therapy practice, with 68% of RTs being optimistic about this. The majority (63%) had little to no knowledge of working with AI and 96% would like to learn more including the underpinnings of AI and its safe and ethical use. Many (66%) perceived AI would affect their role, including increasing their skillset and reducing mundane tasks, whereas others (23%) perceived it would reduce job satisfaction by increasing repetition and limiting their problem-solving ability. AI was perceived to impact the patient positively (67%), increasing efficiency and accuracy of radiotherapy treatments; however, it could depersonalise patient care.ConclusionRTs perceive embracing AI in radiotherapy has the potential to advance the profession and improve the service to patients. If AI is implemented with sufficient training for greater understanding, and management uses these benefits to improve patient care, rather than replace RTs roles, then overall any negatives will be outweighed by the benefits.
| S-EPMC10122926 | biostudies-literature
Project description:[Purpose] This study aimed to investigate the influence of the evidence practice gap on physiotherapist and occupational therapists through shared decision making using the clinical practice guidelines. [Participants and Methods] A randomized controlled trial was used. The participants included 126 therapists from three institutions. The inclusion criteria was permanent employment in these institutions. Participants' characteristics were masked from the allocator, evaluator, and analyzer. For the intervention group, a workshop on shared decision making was conducted using clinical practice guidelines. Two control groups were set. One group received a lecture on the knowledge of clinical practice guidelines, and the other group received a lecture on the knowledge of shared decision making. The primary outcomes were "education, attitudes and beliefs, and interest and perceived role in evidence-based practice" scale. [Results] The primary outcomes showed a significant difference between the clinical practice guidelines with shared decision making group and the clinical practice guidelines group (mean ± standard deviation, pre/post; clinical practice guidelines with shared decision making group, 2.4 ± 0.9/4.4 ± 1.7; clinical practice guidelines group, 3.0 ± 1.5/3.5 ± 2.0; shared decision making group, 2.6 ± 1.2/ 3.3 ± 1.8). [Conclusion] Shared decision making education using the clinical practice guidelines improves evidence-based practice of self-efficacy in physiotherapists and occupational therapists.
| S-EPMC9170488 | biostudies-literature
Project description:The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of PRRT in patients with advanced neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). Patients and Methods. From January 2007 to August 2011, we enrolled 65 patients (m/f 38/27; mean age 65 years, range 33-83) with advanced NETs having enhanced SSTR expression, treated with PRRT. The enhanced expression of SSTR was assessed using (68)Ga-DOTATOC/DOTATATE PET/CT. Among all the enrolled patients, 6 of them were excluded from the present analysis since they voluntarily interrupted treatment. Mean activity/cycle of?2.6 GBq ((90)Y-DOTATOC/DOTATATE) or 6.0?GBq ((177)Lu-DOTATOC/DOTATATE) was administrated intravenously (max 9 cycles). Results. Complete response (CR) was found in 1/59 (2%) patients, partial remission (PR) in 24/59 (40.5%) patients, stable disease (SD) in 24/59 (40.5%), and progression (PD) in 10/59 (17%) patients. The overall tumor response rate (CR + PR) was 42.5%. In 40.5% of patients, the disease could be stabilized. Overall, 49 out of 59 patients had no tumor progression (83%). Twelve patients out of 59 (20%) had grade 2-3 hematological side effects including anemia, thrombocytopenia, and leukopenia. Long-term nephrotoxicity was observed in 3 patients (2 moderate, 1 severe). Conclusions. PRRT is a promising perspective for patients with advanced NETs.
| S-EPMC3425839 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Studies have underscored the complexity of the encounter between ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) society and psychotherapy, as well as the challenges involved in developing a therapeutic relationship in cross-cultural therapy. However, there is scant research on therapy for ultra-Orthodox children, especially when it comes to arts therapies that take place in a cross-cultural setting. The current study examined the perceptions of 17 arts therapists (including visual art therapists, dance/movement therapists, psychodramatists, music therapists and bibliotherapists) who are not ultra-Orthodox, and who currently work or have previously worked with ultra-Orthodox children. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the therapists and analyzed using the principles of Consensual Qualitative Research. The study covered four domains: (1) perceptions of the significance and objectives of arts therapy with ultra-Orthodox children; (2) the influence of the cultural difference between therapist and client on the emotional experience and the therapeutic relationship; (3) the use of arts in therapy; (4) systemic aspects. The findings indicate significant perceptual and value-based disparities between therapists and clients, which pose difficulties and challenges to all participating parties and require therapists to be highly sensitive. Aside from the difficulties, the findings suggest that this cultural difference may also have certain advantages for clients as well as therapists. The findings likewise attest to the multifaceted process of change that is taking place within Haredi society in its attitude toward psychotherapy in general and arts therapy in particular.
| S-EPMC7889799 | biostudies-literature
Project description:PurposeMedical errors in radiation oncology sometimes involve tasks reliant on practitioners' grasp of numeracy. Numeracy has been shown to be suboptimal across various health care professionals. Herein, we assess health numeracy among American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) members.Methods and materialsThe Numeracy Understanding for Medicine instrument (NUMi), an instrument to measure numeracy in the general population, was adapted to oncology for this study and distributed to ASRT members (n = 14,228) in 2017. Per NUMi scoring, health numeracy scores were categorized as low (0-7), low average (8-12), high average (13-17), or high (18-20). The impact of cGy versus Gy on numeracy performance was investigated. Spearman's rho and a Wilcox-Mann-Whitney test were used for comparisons between the different groups.ResultsA total of 662 eligible participants completed the instrument and identified as radiation oncology professionals. In the cGy and Gy NUMi scores, approximately 2% of respondents scored low-average, approximately 40% scored high-average, and approximately 58% scored high, with a median score of 18.0. Although the optimum NUMi score for ASRT members is unknown, one might expect our cohort to have numeracy skills at least as high as college freshmen. Roughly one-sixth of our study group scored at or below the average score of college freshmen (NUMi = 15). In the subset analysis of NUMi questions pertaining to radiation dose unit (cGy vs Gy), respondents performed better with cGy (mean score: 2.94; range, 2-3) versus Gy (mean: 2.91; range, 0-3; P = .011).ConclusionsIn this study of limited sample size, overall numeracy is quite good compared with the general population. However, the range of scores is wide, and some respondents have lower scores that may be concerning, suggesting that numeracy may be an issue that requires improvement for a subset of the studied cohort. Performance was superior with the unit cGy; thus, the adoption of cGy as the standard unit is reasonable.
| S-EPMC8134660 | biostudies-literature