An examination of Advanced Clinical Practice: Qualitative insights from therapeutic radiography advanced and consultant practitioners based in England.
Journal article
Khine, R N M and Stewart-Lord, A (2021). An examination of Advanced Clinical Practice: Qualitative insights from therapeutic radiography advanced and consultant practitioners based in England. Technical innovations & patient support in radiation oncology. 17, pp. 97-101. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tipsro.2020.12.003
Authors | Khine, R N M and Stewart-Lord, A |
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Abstract | Therapeutic radiographers play a vital and changing role in the delivery of radiotherapy services treating patients with cancer. Advanced Practitioners (AP) and Consultant Practitioners (CP) in radiotherapy have developed advanced clinical skills and specialisms, enhancing the ability of the profession to offer a greater depth of cancer services and ease pressure elsewhere in the system.The aim of this study was to define the opportunity and potential for Advanced Clinical Practice (ACP) roles in oncology services. Specific objectives were to explore local profiles, role development and opportunities for standardisation of ACPs in therapeutic radiography and to determine resource requirements to roll out and ensure continuation of the existing and new roles. The research was addressed through a qualitative study design using focus groups. Convenience sampling was used to recruit therapeutic radiography advanced and consultant practitioners (N = 36) from the respective radiotherapy departments in England to participate in regional focus groups. Four regional areas were identified for inclusion. Data generated was analysed thematically. The findings are presented in four themes: ownership of professional identity, desire for standardisation and guidance, drivers of role development and self-directed educational routes. Key findings from the focus groups indicated the need for standardisation in job descriptions, roles and responsibilities and a key understanding of career progression. The professional identity of the AP is acknowledged by independent, autonomous working; however, this can only be facilitated if the correct training is undertaken and the necessary support structures are in place to enable career progression. Challenges associated with role development are 1) lack of career and pathway guidance, 2) lack of clear educational routes, 3) lack of standardised roles. [Abstract copyright: © 2021 The Authors.] |
Keywords | Advanced Clinical Practice; Role development; Therapeutic radiography |
Year | 2021 |
Journal | Technical innovations & patient support in radiation oncology |
Journal citation | 17, pp. 97-101 |
ISSN | 2405-6324 |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tipsro.2020.12.003 |
https://doi.org/S2405-6324(20)30033-0 | |
Publication dates | |
Online | 18 Mar 2021 |
Publication process dates | |
Accepted | 17 Dec 2020 |
Deposited | 07 Jun 2021 |
Publisher's version | License File Access Level Open |
Accepted author manuscript | License File Access Level Controlled |
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https://openresearch.lsbu.ac.uk/item/8wv30
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