Introductory Radiation Oncology Curriculum (IROC) for Radiation Oncology Residents: Multi-Institutional Pilot Implementation and Evaluation

Abstract

Many radiation oncology residency programs lack a structured curriculum to help with the transition from internship to residency. A recent needs assessment survey confirmed that only 50% of residents had an introductory curriculum, but that such a program would be valuable. Based on the survey results, the pilot Introductory Radiation Oncology Curriculum (IROC) was developed and piloted for all incoming PGY-2 residents at 4 radiation oncology residency programs in 2017. The curriculum consisted of 7 sessions including an overview of radiation oncology, and individual hands-on sessions on simulation, contouring, treatment planning, and radiation emergencies given in 30-120 minute sessions over 2 weeks. Following the orientation period, IROC residents completed anonymous curriculum evaluations. PGY-2 residents at non-IROC programs were asked to complete comparable surveys. Free text and Likert-type score responses (1=“not at all” to 5=“extremely”) were utilized. Likert-type scores are reported as median [interquartile range]. Fifteen PGY-2 residents who completed IROC and 15 PGY-2 residents who did not participate in IROC completed the post-assessment evaluation. Prior to IROC residents reported being “not at all” prepared for clinic (1[1-2]) and after completion residents reported being “moderately” prepared for clinic (3[2-3]; p<0.01). IROC participants reported that the curriculum left them “moderately” prepared to function independently in clinic (3[2.5-3]). Only 5/15 (33%) non-IROC residents reported participating in an introductory curriculum. Of those who did not receive an introductory curriculum, 8/10 (80%) reported that they would have wanted one. A standardized introductory curriculum for PGY-2 residents was successfully piloted at four radiation oncology residency programs. After completing the curriculum, residents reported being better prepared to work independently in clinic. In contrast, only a minority of a comparison group of residents received any formal introduction though a majority desired one. IROC will be revised based on feedback from the pilot implementation and expanded to additional residency training programs in 2018.