Defining an Undergraduate Radiation Oncology Microclerkship Using the Delphi Method.

PURPOSE

Many medical students in the US lack formal exposure to radiation oncology (RO). In contrast to multi-week electives, microclerkships, defined here as brief (<1 week) observerships, could provide exposure to RO. The primary objective of this study was to establish expert consensus for the duration, curriculum, target audience, and goals/objectives of an RO microclerkship. With these components, the microclerkship aims to provide medical students with the necessary exposure to RO.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A needs assessment evaluating the demand for, and essential elements of, an RO microclerkship was distributed to medical student clerkship directors. Based on responses, the authors developed a preliminary set of 7 goals, 5 objectives, and 4 curricular items. These were refined through an iterative Delphi process. Three surveys were sent to 7 medical education experts across several institutions and medical specialties. Surveys asked experts to rank elements for inclusion, comment on clarity, and suggest new ones. The consensus threshold was defined as 83% of respondents selecting "Definitely Include" or "Maybe Include." The final survey asked experts to explain the selection of exclusionary options.

RESULTS

Surveys demonstrated that third-year medical students and 3 to 5 days were the ideal target audience and duration for an RO microclerkship. The final goals emphasized the following: the role/value of RO, understanding of RO mechanisms, RO integration in care, interdisciplinary management, longitudinal care, and workflow. Final objectives included seeing a consult, follow-up, and on-treatment visit; participating in a simulation; and observing contouring, treatment planning, and radiation plan review. Curricular items were preclinic/postclinic quizzes, a 1-hour introduction to RO lecture, and a shadowing experience.

CONCLUSIONS

Through the Delphi process, we have established a framework for an RO microclerkship with a consensus duration, curriculum, target audience, and goals/objectives. Integration of this 3- to 5-day microclerkship into third-year medical school curricula would provide an avenue for increased exposure to RO during undergraduate medical education.