(Image: James Barber and Bella Creswell)
The Radiotherapy Pre-Treatment Special Interest Groups’ first annual meeting concluded last month, with attendees praising its opportunities for networking and mutual support.
Around 40 people attended in person and a further 50 joined the event online on 21 June for the group’s first annual study day, following its establishment in 2022.
Supported by industry partner Oncology Imaging Systems (OIS), the day took place at the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead, North London.
Networking and communication
The Radiotherapy Pre-Treatment SIG was established to facilitate networking and communication between Therapeutic Radiographers with a special interest in the Pre-Treatment Specialty to allow sharing of knowledge and experiences.
James Barber, group chair, said: “There has been a clear unmet need for this kind of event for some time, as often the larger radiotherapy conferences are focused on issues such as IGRT and novel treatment modalities.
“This study day was an excellent opportunity for like-minded specialists to meet, network and share their experiences in a field of radiotherapy where it is all too common to feel isolated and under-supported.”
The day’s sessions included:
- Use of IV contrast given by Liam Wiles and Benson Leung, exploring innovative uses of contrast in radiotherapy based on the results of a Master’s dissertation
- Advanced motion management techniques given by Claire Flowers, Paula McCloone, and Julie Kilkenny showcasing new industry technologies and techniques for reducing motion
- Inclusive pregnancy status checking from Rachael Webster, showcasing the SoR’s IPS resources and guidelines, and from James Barber on a survey about implementing the process
- Palliative advanced practice opened by Conor Fitzpatrick on the role of the consultant radiographer, and Stephanie Hatcliffe, on her experiences developing the service in her trust. Tracey Slatter also discussed her experience supporting students through advanced practice Master’s modules
- Developing pre-treatment resources to support students in academic and clinical practices, an interactive workshop session co-chaired by Kerry Owen, Joanna McNamara and Mercia Edwards
(Image: Benson Leung)
'Gauging current practice'
Therapeutic Radiographer Rhydian Powell said the sessions were a “good mix of technical and not so technical” with “something for everyone”.
“Great to get an idea of everyone else's practice and some of the issues they experience,” he added. “Helpful to gauge our current practice against what others are doing around the four nations as a yardstick and in planning future service developments. It's always reassuring to know we all share many of the same problems!”
More information about the Radiotherapy Pre-Treatment SIG can be found here. The session recordings and slides are available on the Pre-Treatment SIG Synapse Page.