AIMS

To identify core competencies for postgraduate radiation oncology trainees in global health and cancer that may inform revisions across radiation oncology residency specialty training curricula.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A review of the literature was conducted to identify all potential global health competency items. An international two-phase Delphi process was conducted with experts in oncology. In phase 1, all experts scored, on a nine-point Likert scale, the degree to which they agreed an item should be included in the competency profile. Items with a mean score ≥7 were included, those scoring 4-6 were reviewed in phase 2, and items scored ≤3 were excluded. In phase 2, items were discussed and subsequently ranked for inclusion or exclusion in the competency profile. Items with >75% voting for inclusion were included in the final competency profile.

RESULTS

In total, 142 potential global health competency items were identified. Sixty-one items were removed as redundant or irrelevant, leaving 81 items for the Delphi process. Eighteen specialists were invited to participate, with 10 (56%) agreeing to participate in phase 1 of the Delphi process. Participants represented 10 centres in seven countries. Of the 81 items ranked in phase 1, 72 items (89%) had a mean score ≥7 and were automatically included in the final competency profile. The remaining nine items received a score of 4-6 and were discussed in phase 2 of the Delphi process, of which three received <75% agreement for inclusion and were excluded. The result was a final list of 78 enabling competency items.

CONCLUSIONS

The radiation oncology global health competency profile represents an international consensus on the items that can inform radiation oncology training requirements.