PO02: Survey of Radiotherapy Technologists on Their Attitude and Involvement in Brachytherapy in India

Abstract

<h3>Purpose</h3> Radiotherapy Technologists (RTTs) in India are mostly involved in external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) treatments. Their involvement in brachytherapy is relatively less. The aim of this study was to study the level of awareness, their attitude, interest and involvement in the practice of brachytherapy in India. <h3>Material and Methods</h3> A web based 22-points questionnaire (Fig. 1) was designed for the survey of RTTs. (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd9EejaRj9m_GtcBKRotr4hMLtu1fuSD2vJBAnNuCQ6Xw8wNg/viewform?usp=sf_link). The questionnaire was e-mailed to participants in December 2021 and a 3 months time period was given to submit responses. The multiple choice questions (MCQs) format was used in the questionnaire and each question had 2-5 choices depending upon the nature of question. It included questions related to the level of awareness, the attitude, interest and involvement in the practice of brachytherapy. One of the questions (Question no-22) was descriptive type where the participants could give suggestions on how to improve their involvement in brachytherapy practice. The data provided by the respondents was analyzed statistically. <h3>Results</h3> Of a total of 220, 106 responded to the survey (response rate: 48%). Fifty nine of the respondents belonged to academic institutions (65%) while 47 belonged to non-academic and other types of institutions. Eighty-nine respondents (83%) claimed to have one or more brachytherapy units in their centers. Seventy percent had high dose rate (HDR), 2% -low dose rate (LDR), 6% had both LDR and HDR systems. Remote after loading was the most common mode of treatment (77%).Of all the eighty-nine respondents that had brachytherapy available at their centres, only 59 (56%) were involved in different phases of brachytherapy treatment. Forty-three (45%) were actively involved in both the phases (i.e., simulation and treatment delivery) while rest were either involved in imaging only (26%) or treatment delivery only (7%).Seventy-one RTTs (68%) felt that their current knowledge is adequate to work as brachytherapy technologist. Seventy-eight percent expressed their willingness to work in brachytherapy. Sixty-three (68%) RTTs attributed their non-involvement to the departmental policies and 13% to the lack of awareness and interest. Sixty-five percent RTTs felt that brachytherapy is being represented well in the academic meeting but 42% expressed the need of more awareness programs. Thirty-five percent respondents suggested that improved curriculum at training level can enhance their involvement in brachytherapy practice. Majority (89%) of the respondents are not involved in any kind of research in brachytherapy. In response to descriptive type question no: 22, shortage of staff was cited as one of the reasons for less involvement. <h3>Conclusion</h3> The survey emphasized that majority of RTTs in India have adequate level of knowledge about brachytherapy. However, despite interest, their involvement in brachytherapy practice is significantly low due to their departmental policies and shortage of staff. This could be improved by addressing these factors.