Genitsarios Ioannis, Jhagra Robin, Warn Clive, Xavier Jesrina Ann
Clinical Educator, German Oncology Centre, Limassol, Cyprus.
University Academic and Doctoral Researcher, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK.
BMC Med Educ. 2025 Mar 31;25(1):465. doi: 10.1186/s12909-025-06695-w.
The incorporation of simulation-based learning in healthcare education, particularly in radiotherapy, is necessary for enhancing training and professional competencies to serve patient safety and treatment accuracy. This study aimed to incorporate an innovative end-to-end case study methodology, utilizing an anthropomorphic head phantom, into an undergraduate radiotherapy program at a United Kingdom (UK) based university. The objective was to enhance students' practical learning and theoretical understanding in radiotherapy treatment planning, a field where precision and accuracy are paramount.
The study began with an exploratory literature review to identify key educational challenges and opportunities in radiotherapy treatment planning. A qualitative approach was employed, using a focus group methodology to gather in-depth insights from subject experts, including educational and clinical professionals involved in undergraduate radiotherapy teaching. The focus group discussions explored the integration of an anthropomorphic head phantom within a simulated, case study-based training framework. This innovative approach combined practical skills development with theoretical learning, promoting active engagement and mirroring real-world clinical scenarios.
Focus group discussions showed favorability towards the end-to-end case study method in simulation-based learning. Participants emphasized evaluating plans through assessments and using supplementary tools like video guides and workbooks to enhance learning. Incorporating the anthropomorphic phantom marked a notable advancement, offering authentic training possibilities in radiotherapy undergraduate education.
The study demonstrates the potential of integrating an end-to-end teaching concept in radiotherapy education. By providing a realistic and comprehensive training experience, the approach can further enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. While real-world testing is pending, this innovative methodology shows promise in shaping proficient future radiotherapy graduates, highlighting the need for continuous evolution in educational strategies to meet the demands of modern healthcare training.
将基于模拟的学习纳入医疗保健教育，尤其是放射治疗领域，对于提高培训水平和专业能力以保障患者安全和治疗准确性而言是必要的。本研究旨在将一种创新的端到端案例研究方法，即利用拟人化头部模型，纳入英国一所大学的本科放射治疗课程。目的是增强学生在放射治疗治疗计划方面的实践学习和理论理解，在该领域精确性和准确性至关重要。
该研究首先进行了探索性文献综述，以确定放射治疗治疗计划中的关键教育挑战和机遇。采用定性方法，运用焦点小组方法从包括参与本科放射治疗教学的教育和临床专业人员在内的主题专家那里收集深入见解。焦点小组讨论探讨了在基于案例研究的模拟培训框架内整合拟人化头部模型的问题。这种创新方法将实践技能培养与理论学习相结合，促进积极参与并反映真实世界的临床场景。
焦点小组讨论表明对基于模拟的学习中的端到端案例研究方法持赞成态度。参与者强调通过评估来评价计划，并使用视频指南和练习册等辅助工具来加强学习。纳入拟人化模型标志着一项显著进展，为本科放射治疗教育提供了真实的培训可能性。
该研究证明了在放射治疗教育中整合端到端教学理念的潜力。通过提供现实且全面的培训体验，这种方法可以进一步提高学生的参与度和学习成果。虽然有待进行实际测试，但这种创新方法在培养未来熟练的放射治疗专业毕业生方面显示出前景，凸显了教育策略持续发展以满足现代医疗保健培训需求的必要性。
