Training of radiotherapy professionals: status, content, satisfaction and improvement suggestions in the Greater Region

Background: The initial training of Radiation Oncology professionals can vary widely across Europe. The aim of this study was to assess the status and content of the initial training programs currently implemented in the Greater Region: Lorraine (Nancy, France), Saarland (Homburg, Germany), Luxembourg, and Liège (Wallonia, Belgium). Methods: A survey was developed to investigate (1) the overall satisfaction, learning objectives, and teaching methods used during initial training programs and (2) the perceptions of the importance of key professional competencies as described by the CanMEDS (a framework that identifies and describes the abilities physicians require to effectively meet the health care needs of the people they serve). In addition, open-ended questions were used to elicit opinions on room for improvement. Participants (N = 38) were physicians (radiation oncologists (RO) seniors and residents) and radiation therapists (RTTs). Results: Only 21.1% of the respondents declared having acquired all the competencies required for their professional practice during their initial training. Heterogeneity in teaching methods was noted within professional programs but there is no difference between those from RO and RTT in the teaching of technical and relational skills. Relational skills were not addressed in a range of 39.5–57.9% of respondent’s curricula. More practical lessons were deemed necessary to improve radiotherapy (RT) training programs. Conclusions: Radiation oncology professionals expressed the need for more practical teaching, especially in the training of non-technical skills. Regarding the perceived importance of professional aptitudes, radiation oncology professionals highlighted medical and relational skills as the most important competencies.