The Process of Re-developing a National Training Curriculum for Radiation Oncology: The Irish Experience

Abstract

Purpose There have been significant advancements in the specialty of radiation oncology (RO) in recent years. This has been reflected in the modernisation of RO infrastructure in Ireland. Two large satellite units connected to our largest training centre in Dublin opened in 2011. The other two national training sites in Cork and Galway have also been expanded which has introduced the capability to treat with advanced techniques. RO trainee numbers have also significantly increased over this time, in parallel with these developments. Methods An RO curriculum development subcommittee of the Irish Faculty of Radiologists was established. This included faculty representatives, the national training coordinator, the local training coordinators for each of the three sites, and 2 trainee representatives. The subcommittee reviewed the current curriculum and identified areas for modernisation using Grant's 6 steps method for guidance. These steps include needs assessment, curriculum purpose, learning outcomes, curriculum organisation, educational experience and curriculum evaluation. Multiple sources were referenced to aid content generation. For example, the Medical Council of Ireland's 8 domains of Good Clinical Practice were followed to ensure that the goals of the training scheme were in keeping with the highest professional standards. Training curricula from North America, ESTRO, Australia and the UK were used as references to guide the clinical aspects of training. The subcommittee divided work and met regularly to review progress over a 12-month period. More broad surveys of stakeholders including trainees and trainers were undertaken for some aspects. Results The new curriculum was agreed by the members of the subcommittee and approved by the Faculty. Due to the nature of post graduate RO training, the curriculum design is overlapping between the modular and the spiral design Several new documents are now in place including introductory guidelines to help new trainees through the training scheme. Non-clinical aspects related to management and communication skills have been introduced. Formal processes for evaluating clinical skills related to radiotherapy planning, and a reference to modern treatment techniques including SABR and SRS, have also been incorporated. Discussion We have created a new national training scheme, based on the 6 steps method, which reflects modern RO practice in Ireland. This should facilitate the training of ROs with excellent professional and clinical skills and allow for international recognition of the training programme. There have been significant advancements in the specialty of radiation oncology (RO) in recent years. This has been reflected in the modernisation of RO infrastructure in Ireland. Two large satellite units connected to our largest training centre in Dublin opened in 2011. The other two national training sites in Cork and Galway have also been expanded which has introduced the capability to treat with advanced techniques. RO trainee numbers have also significantly increased over this time, in parallel with these developments. An RO curriculum development subcommittee of the Irish Faculty of Radiologists was established. This included faculty representatives, the national training coordinator, the local training coordinators for each of the three sites, and 2 trainee representatives. The subcommittee reviewed the current curriculum and identified areas for modernisation using Grant's 6 steps method for guidance. These steps include needs assessment, curriculum purpose, learning outcomes, curriculum organisation, educational experience and curriculum evaluation. Multiple sources were referenced to aid content generation. For example, the Medical Council of Ireland's 8 domains of Good Clinical Practice were followed to ensure that the goals of the training scheme were in keeping with the highest professional standards. Training curricula from North America, ESTRO, Australia and the UK were used as references to guide the clinical aspects of training. The subcommittee divided work and met regularly to review progress over a 12-month period. More broad surveys of stakeholders including trainees and trainers were undertaken for some aspects. The new curriculum was agreed by the members of the subcommittee and approved by the Faculty. Due to the nature of post graduate RO training, the curriculum design is overlapping between the modular and the spiral design Several new documents are now in place including introductory guidelines to help new trainees through the training scheme. Non-clinical aspects related to management and communication skills have been introduced. Formal processes for evaluating clinical skills related to radiotherapy planning, and a reference to modern treatment techniques including SABR and SRS, have also been incorporated. We have created a new national training scheme, based on the 6 steps method, which reflects modern RO practice in Ireland. This should facilitate the training of ROs with excellent professional and clinical skills and allow for international recognition of the training programme.