Exploring the Role and Application of the Deliberate Practice Concept in Radiation Therapy

Abstract

The concept of deliberate practice (DP) has been extensively applied to the development of skill and expert performance in many domains of professional practice. Although it has been widely reviewed in other health professions, there is a lack of evidence on its application in radiation therapy practice. This article aims to explore the concept of DP and how it can be applied to radiation therapy practice. The authors define DP, why it is essential, and how it can be implemented in radiation therapy. Evidence from the DP literature in the health professions was used to clarify the guiding principles for successful DP implementation within both the clinical and educational contexts. While the authors encourage radiation therapy practitioners to engage in DP approaches, every profession utilizing DP will develop strategies unique to the individual discipline. Hence, rather than imitating other professions, it is essential that radiation therapists engage evidence-based approaches that will generate empirical evidence to model radiation therapy-specific DP approaches.