TY - JOUR
T1 - The Clinical Specialist Radiation Therapist (CSRT)
T2 - A case study exploring the effectiveness of a new advanced practice role in Canada
AU - Harnett, Nicole
AU - Bak, Kate
AU - Lockhart, Elizabeth
AU - Ang, Michelle
AU - Zychla, Laura
AU - Gutierrez, Eric
AU - Warde, Padraig
PY - 2018/6
Y1 - 2018/6
N2 - Introduction: The Clinical Specialist Radiation Therapist (CSRT), is a new advanced practice (AP) role for radiation therapists (RTTs). Following training, education and evaluation, the CSRT performs specific duties in autonomous ways, making advanced clinical decisions in their area of specialization. This case study examines the CSRT's impact on quantity (i.e., increasing capacity), improving quality and stimulating research and innovation. Methods: Between 2007 and 2016, 23 CSRTs worked in 10 cancer centres in various AP position. A standardised metrics package, focusing on wait-times, patient volumes, patient throughput, time-savings, quality initiatives, satisfaction, research and innovation was developed and used to collect qualitative and quantitative data. Data were self-reported by the CSRTs but electronic databases, pre/post-studies, surveys and interviews were also used. Results: Quantity projects (n = 76) related to patient volumes, wait-times, patient throughput and time-savings increased capacity and allowed more patients to enter the system. The presence of a CSRT allowed, on average, 13 additional patients (either new or re-treated) to be seen, at their respective cancer centre, per month. An average of 1.4 yearly quality improvement initiatives were led by each CSRT, which contributed to improvements in quality of care and satisfaction. CSRTs demonstrated a high level of involvement in research, innovation and knowledge translation activities, either as leaders or part of interprofessional teams. Conclusion: CSRTs positively impact quantity (capacity of the system), quality, research and innovation. Future efforts include permanent and sustainable team integration, practice standards, formal and comprehensive educational preparation, and approaches to consistent, valid assessment of AP in radiation therapy.
AB - Introduction: The Clinical Specialist Radiation Therapist (CSRT), is a new advanced practice (AP) role for radiation therapists (RTTs). Following training, education and evaluation, the CSRT performs specific duties in autonomous ways, making advanced clinical decisions in their area of specialization. This case study examines the CSRT's impact on quantity (i.e., increasing capacity), improving quality and stimulating research and innovation. Methods: Between 2007 and 2016, 23 CSRTs worked in 10 cancer centres in various AP position. A standardised metrics package, focusing on wait-times, patient volumes, patient throughput, time-savings, quality initiatives, satisfaction, research and innovation was developed and used to collect qualitative and quantitative data. Data were self-reported by the CSRTs but electronic databases, pre/post-studies, surveys and interviews were also used. Results: Quantity projects (n = 76) related to patient volumes, wait-times, patient throughput and time-savings increased capacity and allowed more patients to enter the system. The presence of a CSRT allowed, on average, 13 additional patients (either new or re-treated) to be seen, at their respective cancer centre, per month. An average of 1.4 yearly quality improvement initiatives were led by each CSRT, which contributed to improvements in quality of care and satisfaction. CSRTs demonstrated a high level of involvement in research, innovation and knowledge translation activities, either as leaders or part of interprofessional teams. Conclusion: CSRTs positively impact quantity (capacity of the system), quality, research and innovation. Future efforts include permanent and sustainable team integration, practice standards, formal and comprehensive educational preparation, and approaches to consistent, valid assessment of AP in radiation therapy.
KW - Advanced practice
KW - clinical specialist radiation therapist
KW - CSRT
KW - radiation therapy
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85048350530&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=85048350530&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1002/jmrs.281
DO - 10.1002/jmrs.281
M3 - Article
C2 - 29864246
AN - SCOPUS:85048350530
SN - 2051-3895
VL - 65
SP - 86
EP - 96
JO - Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences
JF - Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences
IS - 2
ER -