Wong Sharon M M, Sin S Y, Lim L H, Nurul Tassha B M A, Lin Jeannie, Melissa K, Koh W Y, Ho Francis, Quah Daniel S C, Sommat Kiatissa, Tuan Jeffrey K L, Wong F Y, Ng W L, Yeo Richard M C, Soong Y L, Wang Michael L C
Division of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore.
College of Allied Health-SingHealth Academy, Singapore.
Tech Innov Patient Support Radiat Oncol. 2021 Mar 18;17:63-70. doi: 10.1016/j.tipsro.2021.02.002. eCollection 2021 Mar.
The exploration of Advanced Practiced Radiation Therapists (APRTs) development in Singapore started in 2011. This study aims to provide an overview of the development of the APRT roles, and to discuss the approaches used to develop and implement these roles in Singapore.
A mixed methods approach was used in the development of the APRT program. A literature review was carried out to define the APRT scope of practice and core responsibilities. A competency and assessment framework were setup to assess the core competency areas. With this framework, a structured 1-year residency training program was developed.
The scope of practice and core responsibilities of APRTs were defined with five proposed advanced practice profiles being successfully validated. A competency framework was set up to assess the core competency domains: clinical, technical and professional competencies, research, education and leadership. A 4-point scoring system was developed for the competency assessment based on two criteria; the frequency with which RTTs would demonstrate competency, and the ability of performing the task competently. A 1-year structured APRT residency program was developed and implemented. The programme consisted of structured lectures, and clinical practice-based modules where APRT residents receive structured mentoring under a mentorship program.
The APRT program in Singapore employed an evidence-based implementation process that tested the feasibility of a new practice model. Multidisciplinary involvements, mentorship and clinical training were important factors for the success of the APRT program.
新加坡对高级执业放射治疗师（APRTs）发展的探索始于2011年。本研究旨在概述APRT角色的发展情况，并讨论在新加坡发展和实施这些角色所采用的方法。
在APRT项目的发展过程中采用了混合方法。进行了文献综述以界定APRT的实践范围和核心职责。建立了一个能力与评估框架来评估核心能力领域。基于此框架，制定了一个为期1年的结构化住院医师培训项目。
界定了APRT的实践范围和核心职责，五个拟议的高级实践概况得到成功验证。建立了一个能力框架来评估核心能力领域：临床、技术和专业能力、研究、教育和领导力。基于两个标准开发了一个用于能力评估的4分评分系统；放射治疗技师展示能力的频率，以及胜任执行任务的能力。制定并实施了一个为期1年的结构化APRT住院医师项目。该项目包括结构化讲座以及基于临床实践的模块，APRT住院医师在一个导师计划下接受结构化指导。
新加坡的APRT项目采用了基于证据的实施过程，测试了一种新实践模式的可行性。多学科参与、导师指导和临床培训是APRT项目成功的重要因素。
