Breast Radiotherapy Interest Group

Members can share practice developments, research updates, or raise questions through a dedicated Google discussion group. Members can network with colleagues in the group to support implementation of new methods, or protocols. There are opportunities to join webinars on topics of relevance and educational sessions are supported by BRIG members. We are growing our research and patient and public foci and in 2021 working groups will be developed to progress both of these critical areas of activity.

BRIG now has a Google discussion group where members can post topics, share experiences and raise questions for other members to contribute. The group aims to update its current database of techniques to share with members and to develop open learning resources (based on the expertise of the network members) to be shared within a wider professional community. If you would like to join BRIG and participate in the Google discussion forum please contact Heidi Probst, Michele Cardoso or Kim Whitlock (details above).

BRIG values can be communicated through the following 3 key headlines:

1. Partnerships- The work of BRIG is built on partnerships between professionals and with patients. The partnership between professionals allows translation of knowledge on breast cancer radiotherapy. The partnership with patients allows a two-way exchange of knowledge and experience to facilitate practitioner understanding of patient experience and support service improvement. Together the partnerships allow translation of knowledge on breast cancer radiotherapy between professionals, and between patients and professionals. 
2. Participatory- BRIG-professional membership includes educators, clinical practitioners and invited members of the wider multi-disciplinary team. The group fosters growth and empowerment of its members through knowledge acquisition, sharing of good practice and knowledge exchange.
3. Practice based- Through a community of practice model BRIG supports collaborative research and sharing of good practice, between radiotherapy centres that cross geographical boundaries and supports interdisciplinarity to foster the development of excellence in practice

The BRIG Chair is Professor Heidi Probst.  This is a permanent appointment.  The Chair is responsible for overseeing the overall conduct of the BRIG, as well as BRIGs national and international representation, quality of external communications, and of member’s adherence to the BRIG terms of membership.

There is no limit to the length of Therapeutic Radiographer membership.  However, if a BRIG member is not active in BRIG activities for a period greater than 12 months, transfer of membership to a Therapeutic Radiographer at their radiotherapy centre may be encouraged. 

There are 2 Clinical Oncologist, 2 Radiotherapy Physicist, 2 Dosimetrist and 2 Breast Clinical Nurse Specialist/Oncology Nurse seats.  These are appointed seats for a fixed term of 3 years.  The seat-holder may re-apply to their existing seat for a further term, with a maximum period of 6 years.

There are up to 5 Patient & Public Representative seats.  There is no limit to the length of BRIG membership.

All BRIG members will provide a work email address for the group database, a personal Gmail address will be used to enrol members to the Google discussion group (but not kept on the member database) and will be added to the BRIG email group. 

Special interest sub-groups co-exist alongside the main BRIG group.  Each sub-group has a lead Therapeutic Radiographer.  This is an appointed seat for a fixed term of 3 years.  The lead may re-apply to their existing seat for a further term, with a maximum period of 6 years.  BRIG members can be affiliated with more than one special interest sub-group, but may lead only 1.

Members can request information / knowledge sharing via the BRIG email group.  This should be limited to queries related either directly or indirectly to breast cancer radiotherapy.  There is no limit to the number of queries or requests submitted to the group.  All Members are encouraged to respond to any request for which they feel they can contribute.

Members are expected to demonstrate a commitment to the group through participation in BRIG activity. 

Examples of BRIG activity for participation:

• Requesting information on radiotherapy techniques or practice
• Responding to requests by group Members for information or advice
• Proposing research collaboration with BRIG
• Representing BRIG at external meetings or conferences
• Involvement in the organisation of an annual BRIG meeting
• Submitting survey requests via BRIG
• Presenting or publishing on behalf of BRIG
• Encouraging and promoting BRIG membership to unrepresented UK and international radiotherapy centres
• Sharing new and evolving evidence to the BRIG
• Highlighting relevant training and education available to the BRIG
• Contributing to a library of relevant publications held by the BRIG

All internal communication between BRIG Members, and external communication between BRIG Members and third parties will always be respectful, inclusive and promote equality, using appropriate language and respecting professional codes of conduct and comply with GDPR requirements at all times.