Radiation Oncology Medical Physicists Research Articles

Implementation of a programmatic assessment model in radiation oncology medical physics training.

In 2019, a formal review and update of the current training program for medical physics residents/registrars in Australasia was conducted. The purpose of this was to ensure the program met current local clinical and technological requirements, to improve standardization of training across Australia and New Zealand and generate a dynamic curriculum and programmatic assessment model. A four-phase project was initiated, including a consultant desktop review of the current program and stakeholder consultation. Overarching program outcomes on which to base the training model were developed, with content experts used to update the scientific content. Finally, assessment specialists reviewed a range of assessment models to determine appropriate assessment methods for each learning outcome, creating a model of programmatic assessment. The first phase identified a need for increased standardized assessment incorporating programmatic assessment. Seven clear program outcome statements were generated and used to guide and underpin the new curriculum framework. The curriculum was expanded from the previous version to include emerging technologies, while removing previous duplication. Finally, a range of proposed assessments for learning outcomes in the curriculum were generated into the programmatic assessment model. These new assessment methods were structured to incorporate rubric scoring to provide meaningful feedback. An updated training program for Radiation Oncology Medial Physics registrars/residents was released in Australasia. Scientific content from a previous program was used as a foundation and revised for currency with the ability to accommodate a dynamic curriculum model. A programmatic model of assessment was created after comprehensive review and consultation. This new model of assessment provides more structured, ongoing assessment throughout the training period. It contains allowances for local bespoke assessment, and guidance for supervisors by the provision of marking templates and rubrics.

Implementation of a simulation free palliative Radiation Therapy pathway: An inter-professional collaborative project

The Western New South Wales Local Health District (WNSWLHD) has a significant footprint within the state of New South Wales (NSW). Due to the significant size of the WNSWLHD, patients residing in the local health district face many barriers to receiving Radiation Therapy. The inter-professional collaboration behind the successful implementation and evaluation of a simulation free pathway for palliative Radiation Therapy in WNSWLHD will be explored within this narrative. The process known in WNSWLHD as Medical Imaging Simulated Radiation Therapy (MISRT) removes the need for a computed tomography (CT) simulation and allows for palliative Radiation Therapy to be planned on previously acquired diagnostic CT imaging. The implementation of MISRT has required significant inter-professional collaboration. This also extends to inter-centre partnership, intra-district cooperation with Medical Imaging and inter-discipline teamwork amongst Radiation Oncologists, Radiation Oncology Medical Physicists, Radiation Oncology Nursing and Radiation Therapists. The impact and involvement of the inter-disciplinary teamwork will be explored. The methods of implementing MISRT will be outlined covering changes to standard workflow, educational requirements and inclusion criteria. The evaluation of the implementation will also be covered with two evaluation surveys being conducted. Inter-professional communication, education, teamwork and collaboration is highlighted to demonstrate improving access to quality care in a rural and regional healthcare setting whilst reducing known barriers to accessing Radiation Oncology.

Navigating the 2021 ACPSEM ROMP workforce model: insights from a single institution.

Workforce modelling for Radiation Oncology Medical Physicists (ROMPs) is evolving and challenging, prompting the development of the 2021 Australasian College of Physical Scientists and Engineers in Medicine (ACPSEM) ROMP Workforce (ARW) Model. In the exploration of this model at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, a comprehensive productivity exercise was conducted to obtain a detailed breakdown of ROMP time at a granular level. The results provide valuable insights into ROMP activities and enabled an evaluation of ARW Model calculations. The findings also capture the changing ROMP role as evidenced by an increasing involvement in consultation and advisory tasks with other professionals in the field. They also suggest that CyberKnife QA time requirements in the data utilised by the model may need to be revised. This study emphasises features inherent in the model, that need to be understood if the model is to be applied correctly.

ACPSEM position paper: pre-treatment patient specific plan checks and quality assurance in radiation oncology.

The Australasian College of Physical Scientists and Engineers in Medicine (ACPSEM) has not previously made recommendations outlining the requirements for physics plan checks in Australia and New Zealand. A recent workforce modelling exercise, undertaken by the ACPSEM, revealed that the workload of a clinical radiation oncology medical physicist can comprise of up to 50% patient specific quality assurance activities. Therefore, in 2022 the ACPSEM Radiation Oncology Specialty Group (ROSG) set up a working group to address this issue. This position paper authored by ROSG endorses the recommendations of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) Task Group 218, 219 and 275 reports with some contextualisation for the Australia and New Zealand settings. A few recommendations from other sources are also endorsed to complete the position.

Requirement for diagnostic medical physicists in Vietnam

This paper mentions the status of diagnostic medical physicists, estimating the lack of this work in Vietnam. The evaluation method is based on International Atomic Energy Agency documents and typical hospital models in Vietnam. In 2021, there were no diagnostic medical physicists. The roles and responsibilities of diagnostic medical physicists are currently performed by radiologists, biomedical engineers, and medical physicists in radiation oncology or nuclear medicine. This job is still a potential profession in Vietnam.

Sociotechnical Factors Contributing to Burnout among Radiation Oncology Medical Physicists: Survey and Focus Group Results from a Systems-Analysis Approach

While burnout and contributing factors have been studied among physicians and surgeons, there is limited understanding of the factors contributing to radiation oncology medical physicists' (MPs) burnout. Therefore, this study aims to i) explore factors associated with burnout among MPs using a systems-analysis approach, and ii) identify and prioritize key improvement efforts. We administered a survey to MPs at a US academic medical center between May 19-June 2, 2022. The survey included a 2-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, a 2- item abbreviated Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) measuring emotional exhaustion (EE) and depersonalization (DP), and 21 general workplace stressors based on the National Academy of Medicine's systems approach to clinicians' burnout. Participants rated workplace stressor severity on a 5-item Likert scale and priorities for improvement on a 4-item Likert scale. Burnout was categorized using a 2-Question Summative Score totaling >3 for EE and DP. Focus groups were held with ∼3 participants per group via a video conferencing platform on June 8-9, 2022. Survey results from top-rated workplace stressors and priorities were summarized and presented to focus groups. Participants were asked open-ended questions to promote discussion and elicit more contextual information about workplace stressors and to rank their highest priority stressors at the end of the focus group. Of the 12 MPs the survey was sent to, 8 responses (67%) were received. Table 1 summarizes the results. The mean resilience score was 6.88, with a standard deviation (SD) of 0.63. 87.5% (n = 7) of MPs identified themselves as burned out. The key workplace stressors contributing most to MPs' burnout were inadequate staffing (mean [SD] 3.1 [1.2]), work-life integration (3.1 [1.2]), excessive workload (2.8 [1.1]), and time pressure (2.6 [1.2]). Specifically, MPs suggested following improvements: i) hire additional physicists to cover clinic responsibilities, ii) limit or compensate for work done post-work hours, iii) improve scheduling workflow, and iv) retain hybrid work model. Survey data demonstrated moderate resilience but high levels of burnout among MPs. Results indicate inadequate staffing as the most severe workplace stressor and highest priority for improvement efforts and remained the top priority even after focus groups. These results warrant further studies with larger sample sizes, assessing factors contributing to burnout among MPs and systems-focused interventions.

The AAPM/ASTRO 2023 Core Physics Curriculum for Radiation Oncology Residents

The American Association of Physicists in Medicine Radiation Oncology Medical Physics Education Subcommittee (ROMPES) has updated the radiation oncology physics core curriculum for medical residents in the radiation oncology specialty. Thirteen physicists from the United States and Canada involved in radiation oncology resident education were recruited to ROMPES. The group included doctorates and master's of physicists with a range of clinical or academic roles. Radiation oncology physician and resident representatives were also consulted in the development of this curriculum. In addition to modernizing the material to include new technology, the updated curriculum is consistent with the format of the American Board of Radiology Physics Study Guide Working Group to promote concordance between current resident educational guidelines and examination preparation guidelines. The revised core curriculum recommends 56 hours of didactic education like the 2015 curriculum but was restructured to provide resident education that facilitates best clinical practice and scientific advancement in radiation oncology. The reference list, glossary, and practical modules were reviewed and updated to include recent literature and clinical practice examples. ROMPES has updated the core physics curriculum for radiation oncology residents. In addition to providing a comprehensive curriculum to promote best practice for radiation oncology practitioners, the updated curriculum aligns with recommendations from the American Board of Radiology Physics Study Guide Working Group. New technology has been integrated into the curriculum. The updated curriculum provides a framework to appropriately cover the educational topics for radiation oncology residents in preparation for their subsequent career development.

Design and Implementation of a Multidisciplinary High-Fidelity Simulation Course for the Management of Malignant Spinal Cord Compression.

High-fidelity simulation (HFS) training is suited to high-stakes, uncommon situations such as malignant spinal cord compression (MSCC), allowing for rare hands-on practice. This pilot study was created as the first of its kind to examine educational outcomes of a radiation therapist (RTT)-led multidisciplinary radiation oncology (RO) emergency simulation course. A multidisciplinary course design team composed of RO residents, radiation oncologists, RTT course instructors, and medical physicists created a high-fidelity MSCC simulation course using collaboratively developed learning goals. Fifteen learners including RO residents, senior RTT students, and a medical physics (MP) resident participated in a live, RTT-facilitated simulation. Participants completed anonymized pre- and post-simulation standard interdisciplinary education perception (IEP) scales and a course evaluation assessing educational outcomes. Standard IEP questionnaire results showed highly favorable perceptions of respondents' own specialty and other allied specialties, with mean total pre-simulation scores of 91.76 and post-simulation scores of 94.23. The course evaluation assessed 10 learning objective domains, with significant improvements seen in self-rated post-course knowledge in 9 domains. Pre-course evaluations showed that 6/15 participants agreed or strongly agreed that they felt comfortable in their knowledge of all included domains; after course completion, 14/15 participants agreed or strongly agreed they felt comfortable in all domains. Collaboratively designed and led HFS courses are not only viable but can be an effective means of improving learning outcomes for RO residents, RTT students, and MP residents.

ACPSEM position paper on ROMP scope of practice and staffing levels for magnetic resonance linear accelerators

The purpose of this position paper is to outline the ACPSEM recommendations on Medical Physicist scope of practice and staffing levels, as they relate to the use of dedicated MRI-Linacs in the treatment of patients. A core function of Medical Physicists is to safely implement changes in medical practice via the introduction of new technology and to ensure high quality radiation oncology services are provided to patients. Determining the feasibility of MRI-Linacs in any existing setting, or in establishing a new site, mandates the knowledge and services of Radiation Oncology Medical Physicists (ROMPs) as the Qualified Experts within this setting. ROMPs are key members of the multi-disciplinary team which will be required to steer the successful establishment of MRI Linac infrastructure within departments. To support efficient implementation, ROMPs must be embedded in the process from the start, including any feasibility study, initiation of the project, and development of the business case. ROMPs must be retained throughout all stages of acquisition, service development, and ongoing clinical use and expansion. The number of MRI-Linacs in Australia and New Zealand is growing. This expansion is occurring in parallel with rapid technological evolution, expanding tumour stream applications, and increasing consumer uptake. Growth and applications of MRI-Linac therapy will continue to occur beyond current known horizons, via development on the MR-Linac platform itself and through the migration of learning from this platform to conventional Linacs (known horizons for example include the use of daily, online image guided adaptive radiotherapy and MRI data informing decision making for planning and treatment before and throughout treatment courses). Clinical use, research and development will be a significant component of expanding patient access to MRI-Linac treatment and there will be an ongoing need to attract and retain ROMPs to initially establish services and in particular to drive service development and delivery for the life of the Linacs. MRI and Linac technologies mean it is necessary to perform a specialized workforce assessment for these devices, distinct from those employed for conventional Linacs and associated services. MRI-Linacs are complex, have a heightened risk profile compared to standard Linacs, and are unique in their treatment of patients. Accordingly, the workforce needs for MRI-Linacs are greater than for standard Linacs. To ensure safe and high-quality Radiation Oncology patient services are provided, it is recommended that staffing levels should be based on the 2021 ACPSEM Australian Radiation Workforce model and calculator using the MRI-Linac specific ROMP workforce modelling guidelines outlined in this paper. The ACPSEM workforce model and calculator are closely aligned with other Australian/New Zealand and international benchmarks.

Introduction of radiation therapist-led adaptive treatments on a 1.5 T MR-Linac.

The introduction of magnetic resonance (MR) linear accelerators (MR-Linac) marks the beginning of a new era in radiotherapy. MR-Linac systems are currently being operated by teams of radiation therapists (RTs), radiation oncology medical physicists (ROMPs) and radiation oncologists (ROs) due to the diverse and complex tasks required to deliver treatment. This is resource-intensive and logistically challenging. RT-led service delivery at the treatment console is paramount to simplify the process and make the best use of this technology for suitable patients with commonly treated anatomical sites. This article will discuss the experiences of our department in developing and implementing an RT-led workflow on the 1.5 T MR-Linac.

Status of cancer treatment by radiotherapy and requirement of radiation oncology medical physicists in Asia Oceania federation of organizations for medical physics region.

Cancer is a major health problem worldwide including Asian-Pacific region. The region hosts over 4.5 billion people, over 60% of the world population and very divergent socioeconomically. The major cancers in the region in male include lung, stomach, liver, colorectal and esophagus and in female breast, lung, cervix, colorectal, and stomach. Over 60% of cancer patients need radiotherapy alone or in combination with surgery and/or chemotherapy, and therefore, radiotherapy is the main and essential modality of cancer treatment. Radiation oncology medical physicists play a pivotal role in efficient implementation of radiotherapy. This study was aimed to assess the status of cancer treatment by radiotherapy and the requirement of radiation oncology medical physicists in the region. To access the status and requirement of radiotherapy machines, availability of radiation oncology physicists in the region of Asia Oceania Federation of Organizations for Medical Physics (AFOMP), we have carried out a survey by sending questioners to AFOMP National Medical Physics Organizations (NMO). We received response from 21 countries, 100% response, regarding availability of teletherapy units, number of medical physicists working in radiotherapy and related information. Using GLOBOCAN cancer incidence data and considering 62.5% of cancer patients need radiotherapy treatment and up to 500 cancer patients can be treated in a year on one teletherapy machine, the gap between the available and required teletherapy machine to treat all the cancer patients requiring radiotherapy is estimated. Further, we estimated the gap between radiotherapy medical physicists available and required as per International Atomic Energy Agency and European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology guidelines. It was observed that availability of teletherapy machines in AFOMP region is 0.21-14.0 teletherapy machine/million population and radiotherapy medical physicist are 0.82-2.43/teletherapy unit.

Modified volumetric modulated arc therapy technique with reduced planning and treatment time for craniospinal irradiation utilising two isocentres.

IntroductionPaediatric patients (individuals below 18 years of age) requiring cranial‐spinal irradiation (CSI) at our institution are commonly planned and treated using a three isocentre (3‐ISO) volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) technique. A modified two isocentre (2‐ISO) VMAT technique was investigated with the aim to improve workflow and reduce planning and treatment time.MethodsFive CSI paediatric patients previously treated with a 3‐ISO VMAT technique were retrospectively replanned using a 2‐ISO VMAT technique. The 2‐ISO VMAT plans were reviewed and approved by a radiation oncologist (RO) before undergoing patient‐specific quality assurance (QA) procedures, performed by a radiation oncology medical physicist (ROMP). Planning target volume (PTV) coverage, organ‐at‐risk (OAR) dose as well as planning and treatment durations of the first five patients utilising 2‐ISO technique were compared with 3‐ISO technique.ResultsThe average percentage difference in PTV coverage by 95% reference dose between the 2‐ISO and 3‐ISO is 0.14%, and the average difference in OAR median dose is 0.68 Gy. Conformity and homogeneity indices have the same averages at 1.18 and 0.4 respectively. Patient‐specific physics QA results were all comparable with the 3‐ISO averages at 98.84% and the 2‐ISO at 98.71%. Planning duration for the 2‐ISO was reduced by up to 75%, and daily treatment duration was reduced by up to 50%. Of all the previously treated CSI patients using a 3‐ISO technique, 45% were suitable for the 2‐ISO technique.ConclusionThe 2‐ISO VMAT technique provided comparable dose distribution based on PTV coverage, OAR dose and plan metric indices. Reduced planning and treatment duration with the 2‐ISO technique facilitated improved workflow with decreased sedation time for paediatric patients requiring a general anaesthesia.

Safety culture and incident learning systems in radiation oncology: Staff perceptions across Australia and New Zealand.

Radiation therapy has a highly complex pathway and uses detailed quality assurance protocols and incident learning systems (ILSs) to mitigate risk; however, errors can still occur. The safety culture (SC) in a department influences its commitment and effectiveness in maintaining patient safety. Perceptions of SC and knowledge and understanding of ILSs and their use were evaluated for radiation oncology staff across Australia and New Zealand (ANZ). A validated healthcare survey tool (the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture) was used, with additional specialty-focussed supporting questions. A total of 220 radiation oncologists, radiation therapists and radiation oncology medical physicists participated. An overall positive SC was indicated, with strength in teamwork (83.7%), supervisor/manager/leader support (83.3%) and reporting events (77.1%). The weakest areas related to communication about error (63.9%), hospital-level management support (60.5%) and handovers and information exchange (58.0%). Barriers to ILS use included 'it takes too long' and that many respondents must use multiple reporting systems, including mandatory hospital-level systems. These are generally not optimal for specific radiation oncology needs. Varied understanding was indicated of what and when to report. The findings report the ANZ perspective on ILS and SC, highlighting weaknesses, barriers and areas for further investigation. Differences observed in some areas suggest that a unified state, national or bi-national ILS specific to radiation oncology might eliminate multiple reporting systems and reduce reporting time. It could also provide more consistent and robust approaches to incident reporting, information sharing and analysis.

Current status of intra-cranial stereotactic radiotherapy and stereotactic radiosurgery in Australia and New Zealand: key considerations from a workshop and surveys

Recently, there has been increased interest worldwide in the use of conventional linear accelerator (linac)-based systems for delivery of stereotactic radiosurgery/radiotherapy (SRS/SRT) contrasting with historical delivery in specialised clinics with dedicated equipment. In order to gain an understanding and define the current status of SRS/SRT delivery in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) we conducted surveys and provided a single-day workshop. Prior to the workshop ANZ medical physicists were invited to complete two surveys: a departmental survey regarding SRS/SRT practises and equipment; and an individual survey regarding opinions on current and future SRS/SRT practices. At the workshop conclusion, attendees completed a second opinion-based survey. Workshop discussion and survey data were utilised to identify areas of consensus, and areas where a community consensus was unclear. The workshop was held on the 8th Sept 2020 virtually due to pandemic-related travel restrictions and was attended by 238 radiation oncology medical physicists from 39 departments. The departmental survey received 32 responses; a further 89 and 142 responses were received to the pre-workshop and post-workshop surveys respectively. Workshop discussion indicated a consensus that for a department to offer an SRS/SRT service, a minimum case load should be considered depending on availability of training, peer-review, resources and equipment. It was suggested this service may be limited to brain metastases only, with less common indications reserved for departments with comprehensive SRS/SRT programs. Whilst most centres showed consensus with treatment delivery techniques and image guidance, opinions varied on the minimum target diameter and treatment margin that should be applied.

Evaluating incident learning systems and safety culture in two radiation oncology departments.

IntroductionRadiation oncology patient pathways are complex. This complexity creates risk and potential for error to occur. Comprehensive safety and quality management programmes have been developed alongside the use of incident learning systems (ILSs) to mitigate risks and errors reaching patients. Robust ILSs rely on the safety culture (SC) within a department. The aim of this study was to assess perceptions and understanding of SC and ILSs in two closely linked radiation oncology departments and to use the results to consider possible quality improvement (QI) of department ILSs and SC.MethodsA survey to assess perceptions of SC and the currently used ILSs was distributed to radiation oncologists, radiation therapists and radiation oncology medical physicists in the two departments. The responses of 95 staff were evaluated (63% of staff). The findings were used to determine any areas for improvement in SC and local ILSs.ResultsDifferences were shown between the professional cohorts. Barriers to current ILS use were indicated by 67% of respondents. Positive SC was shown in each area assessed: 69% indicated the departments practised a no‐blame culture. Barriers identified in one department prompted a QI project to develop a new reporting system and process, improve departmental learning and modify the overall ILS.ConclusionAn understanding of SC and attitudes to ILSs has been established and used to improve ILS reporting, feedback on incidents, departmental learning and the QA program. This can be used for future comparisons as the systems develop.

Report of the ACPSEM radiation oncology medical physics workforce modelling project task group.

The ACPSEM radiation oncology medical physics workforce modelling project task group was formed to acquire a snapshot of practices in Australia and New Zealand and to develop an activity-based workforce model. To achieve this, two surveys were carried out, capturing the work practices of 98 radiation oncology departments and 182 college members. The member survey provided a snapshot of the current workforce: their demographics, work conditions, professional recognition, and future plans. The facility survey provided an Australian and New Zealand contextualisation of the volume-based activities defined in the International Atomic Energy Agency activity-based radiation oncology staffing model at a granular level. An ACPSEM ROMP workforce model was developed to be a modelling tool applicable at both the facility and sector levels.

Applications of Mathematics and Nuclear Physics in Medicine

Abstract: This research paper examines the applications of mathematics and physics in medicine. Mathematical equations governing the physics behind nuclear medicine are deconstructed; the equations include the radioactive decay equation, nuclide uptake formula, formula for the total electric field, quaternions and their role in the geometry of CT and x-ray scans, the use of complex numbers and quaternions in CAT scans, and the utilization of partial differential equations in image processing. On the other hand, physics supports medicines in different areas, including medical imaging through popular MRI and ultrasound techniques. It contributes to therapy through radiation, ultrasonic technologies, laser physics, and vibrational medicine. Nuclear medicine relies on radioactive tracers, while non-ionizing radiation technologies support laser surgery; ultrasound imaging, and UV light treatments are used for diagnosing and treating chronic illnesses. Radiation oncology medical physicists apply medical physics for the assessment and monitoring of the safety of staff and patients involved in radiation therapy, with electromagnetism offering support in neural engineering, signal analysis, quantum electronics, and in studying the nervous system

Investigating opinions of, and perceptions to, advanced practice radiation therapist roles

IntroductionThe demand for cancer services is growing due to increased incidence and the number of people who survive their initial diagnosis but require ongoing therapy. One method of increasing capacity in radiation oncology is to delegate tasks from one professional group to another. In the last ten years there has been increasing interest in advanced practice radiation therapist (APRT) roles. The majority of the Australian literature relates to metropolitan radiation oncology centres with a paucity of information from regional or rural settings. This study sought to explore the knowledge of, and attitudes to APRT roles of members of three professional groups in public radiation oncology centres in Tasmania. MethodData was collected through a self-reported online survey from radiation oncologists (RO), radiation oncology medical physicists (ROMP) and radiation therapists (RT) working in Tasmanian public radiation oncology services regarding their knowledge and understanding of APRT roles, acceptance and support for the roles and where APRTs could contribute to improving patient care. The survey incorporated a combination of five point Likert scale, Yes/No/Don't know and Yes/No/Not Applicable choices. The survey was reviewed by a professional panel of RT, RO and ROMP from mainland Australian radiation oncology centres. ResultsAt the time of survey invitation, there were 52 RTs, 7 ROs, and 7 ROMPs working in the identified departments. The survey had an overall response rate of 48.5%with profession specific response rates of 48.1% (RT), 42.9% (RO) and 57.1% (ROMP). General agreement was found amongst survey respondents with regards to understanding of APRT roles having themes of clinical expertise, leadership, communication, collaboration and teaching. Where participants were offered a list of tasks to choose those appropriate to APRT roles, the highest agreement was with “Contour organs at risk per protocol”, “Image review – soft tissue online decision making/adaptive RT” and “Principal investigator in clinical research. The notion of establishing ARPT roles was well supported, as strong agreement was found with the statements related to improvement in job satisfaction, opportunities, recruitment and retention for RTs, and that APRTs could be used to relieve workload of other professionals. ConclusionThis exploratory study found that the respondents were generally in favour of APRT roles, but that they were not clear about the tasks to be performed by APRTs. It was identified that patients, ROs, ROMPs, RTs and the department would benefit from the implementation of APRT roles. Sseveral areas of practice were identified by respondents which they perceived would improve the quality of patient care

Machine learning applications in radiation oncology: Current use and needs to support clinical implementation.

Background and purposeThe use of artificial intelligence (AI)/ machine learning (ML) applications in radiation oncology is emerging, however no clear guidelines on commissioning of ML-based applications exist. The purpose of this study was therefore to investigate the current use and needs to support implementation of ML-based applications in routine clinical practice.Materials and methodsA survey was conducted among medical physicists in radiation oncology, consisting of four parts: clinical applications (1), model training, acceptance and commissioning (2), quality assurance (QA) in clinical practice and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (3), and need for education and guidelines (4). Survey answers of medical physicists of the same radiation oncology centre were treated as a separate unique responder in case reporting on different AI applications.ResultsIn total, 213 medical physicists from 202 radiation oncology centres were included in the analysis. Sixty-nine percent (1 4 7) was using (37%) or preparing (32%) to use ML in clinic, mostly for contouring and treatment planning. In 86%, human observers were still involved in daily clinical use for quality check of the output of the ML algorithm. Knowledge on ethics, legislation and data sharing was limited and scattered among responders. Besides the need for (implementation) guidelines, training of medical physicists and larger databases containing multicentre data was found to be the top priority to accommodate the further introduction of ML in clinical practice.ConclusionThe results of this survey indicated the need for education and guidelines on the implementation and quality assurance of ML-based applications to benefit clinical introduction.

Medical physics graduate education in Mexico and its relation to the advances in radiation oncology.

To evaluate the state of graduate education in medical physics and progress in radiation oncology (RO) equipment in Mexico since 2000, when conferring degrees from two master's-degree programs in Medical Physics began. Medical physics is a Health Profession and there are international recommendations for education, training, and certification. Both programs follow these education guidelines. The most common clinical occupation of graduates is in RO services. Techniques in Mexican RO include traditional and high-precision procedures. Academic and occupational information about the programs and their graduates were obtained from official websites. Graduates were invited to respond to a survey that requested information about their present job. We obtained data on RO equipment and human resources from public databases and estimated staffing requirements of medical physicists (MPs). Medical physics programs have graduated a total of 225 MPs. Half of them work in a clinical environment and, of these, about 90 work in RO services. MPs with M.Sc. degrees constitute 36% of the current MP workforce in RO, estimated to be 250 individuals. Survey responses pointed out the main merits and limitations of the programs. The number of MPs in RO has increased fivefold and the number of linacs sixfold in 15 years. The present number of MPs is insufficient, according to published guidelines. All MPs in RO services with advanced modalities must be trained following international recommendations for graduate education and post-graduation clinical training. Education and health institutions must find incentives to create more graduate programs and clinical residencies.