The Use of Journal Clubs in Canadian Radiation Therapy Departments: Prevalence and Perceptions.

BACKGROUND

Public debate of published research in a journal club (JC) setting keeps professionals abreast of new knowledge and promotes excellent clinical practice. These skills have become increasingly important for radiation therapists (RTs), but the extent of their participation in JC activities is unknown. Therefore, this study was performed to determine the prevalence of JCs within the Canadian RT community and describe RTs' perceptions of this learning opportunity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After Research Ethics Board (REB) approval, a prospective, multicenter two-phase project was performed. First, a questionnaire was distributed by e-mail to representatives of all radiotherapy departments in Canada. This questionnaire determined whether a JC was available to the RTs and the approximate number of RT attendees. Second, an online questionnaire was distributed to all RTs in the departments with a JC. This questionnaire asked both attendees and nonattendees for their opinions on JC participation. As all questionnaires and evaluation forms were designed specifically for this research, each tool was piloted and validated prior to data collection.

RESULTS

Fifteen replies (43%) were received from 35 Canadian radiotherapy departments, with 5 of these departments holding a JC that RTs could attend. Seven of the remaining departments would consider organizing a JC, but lack of staff interest or time prevented them from doing so. Approximately 5% of RTs attended any single JC meeting. Seventy-one responses (18%) were received from the RTs who worked in a clinic with a JC. Primarily, RTs attended JC because they were interested in the article (40%), and did not attend from lack of time (60%). JC attendees cited improvements in critical analysis skills and increased volume of scientific reading. More than half the nonattendees also read the JC article.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of JCs available to Canadian RTs was low compared to those of other professions. When RTs did attend, however, their levels of participation and satisfaction were very high. JC was credited with improving critical analysis skills and the volume of reading done by its participants.