Older adults and the unique role of the radiation therapist: Future directions for improving geriatric oncology training and education. (September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Morris, Lucinda; O'Donovan, Anita; Hashmi, Amira; Agar, Meera
• Is Part Of: Technical innovations & patient support in radiation oncology. Volume 23(2022)
• Page Start: 21
• Page End: 26
• Publication Date: 2022-09
• Subjects: Radiation therapist(s) -- Geriatric oncology -- Education -- Older adults -- Radiation therapy -- Radiation oncology; Radiotherapy -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Radiotherapy -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Patients -- Hospital care -- Periodicals; 615.842
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tipsro.2022.08.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2405-6324

Abstract

Highlights: This article reviews the status quo of the available evidence and guidance for geriatric oncology clinical practice, training and education for radiation therapists worldwide. We explore the unique clinical role that radiation therapists play in the management of older adults undergoing radiation therapy. We define multiple clinical care points in which the radiation therapists role could potentially expand or specialise into geriatric screening, assessment and intervention to optimise the care of older adults. Current GO educational offerings and future directions to improve RTT knowledge and skills around caring for older adults are outlined. Abstract: There is widespread recognition that the provision of high quality, appropriate and equitable care to older adults with cancer is a growing challenge in oncology practice. Radiation therapy (RT) is an effective and localised treatment that represents an attractive curative or palliative option for many older adults, and radiation therapists (RTT) play an important role in the delivery, support and quality of care for people during RT. The need to develop an evidence-based, global approach to improving all radiation oncology (RO) professionals' knowledge and clinical practice in geriatric oncology (GO) has been previously identified. This article specifically focusses on the status quo of GO clinical practice and education for RTT worldwide. We explore the unique clinical role that RTT play in the management of older adults with cancer and define multiple clinical care points in which RTT could potentially participate in geriatric screening, geriatric assessment and intervention to optimise the care of older adults, with a focus on dementia. Directions for future efforts to improve the knowledge and clinical skills of RTT in caring for older adults are discussed.