03 November 2011
University Hospitals Bristol and UWE Bristol to run innovative radiotherapy training module
The University of the West of England is working with
University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust to deliver the
first university devised module in Brachytherapy, a form of
radiotherapy. The new module addresses a growing need for
specialised training within this
field.
Brachytherapy, from the Greek word meaning 'close to', is
a specialised from of therapeutic radiotherapy, which places the
radioactive material close to the area to be treated. This is
particularly beneficial where the area to be treated is internal
and can benefit from a higher dosage of radiation, avoiding
affecting the surrounding tissues, or the need to pass through
healthy tissue.
A live source of radiation is inserted directly next to
the tissue to be treated, and this means that in some instances a
high dose treatment could take forty minutes instead of requiring
an overnight stay.
In the UK many radiotherapy centres are moving from low
dose rate brachytherapy to high dose rate or pulsed dose rate
treatments. This is changing the nature of patient caseload and
staffing groups involved in treatments. Many centres have been
appointing brachytherapy radiographers to develop, manage and
deliver brachytherapy services.
The new Masters level module, with expert speakers from
across the professions provides a recognised qualification in
brachytherapy techniques and enhances the education and clinical
skills of radiotherapists working in this field, enabling them to
meet the increasing need for these services for
patients.
Spencer Goodman, programme leader at UWE, explains the
benefits of teaching radiotherapists about this form of treatment,
"At the moment the caseload of many therapeutic radiographers is
increasing. UWE has developed the academic side of this
programme, but it is delivered within the clinical environment, and
the assignments carried out by those undertaking this course are
relevant to the workplace. This means the course can have a
direct benefit in their clinical roles, and ultimately can benefit
patients."
UWE academic staff worked closely with Kate Love
(Radiotherapy Services Manager) and Pauline Humphrey (Consultant
Radiographer) at Bristol Haematology and Oncology Department to
design and deliver the module.
Pauline Humphrey says, "By combining practical
learning in a clinical environment with a written assignment
students will be able to gain real insight into brachytherapy
services and use this knowledge to improve their own services in
the future."
The 20 Credit Masters module is entitled 'Brachytherapy
Principles and Clinical Applications'. This is the first time such
a module has been run in the UK addressing a real need within the
field of therapeutic radiography. The course is aimed at health
care professionals working within the field of oncology, having an
interest in the role of brachytherapy in the management of cancer
patients.
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