Radiographer-led plan selection for XXXX radiotherapy: initiating a training programme and maintaining competency.

@entity1 @entity150
OBJECTIVE: The implementation of plan of the day selection for @entity1 receiving radiotherapy (RT) for @entity150 requires efficient and confident decision-making. This article describes the development of a training programme and maintenance of competency. METHODS: Cone beam CT (CBCT) images acquired on @entity1 receiving RT for @entity150 were assessed to establish baseline competency and training needs. A training programme was implemented, and observers were asked to select planning target volumes (PTVs) on two groups of 20 @entity1 ' images. After clinical implementation, the PTVs chosen were reviewed offline, and an audit performed after 3 years. RESULTS: A mean of 73% (range, 53-93%) concordance rate was achieved prior to training. Subsequent to training, the mean score decreased to 66% (Round 1), then increased to 76% (Round 2). Six radiographers and two clinicians successfully completed the training programme. An independent observer reviewed the images offline after clinical implementation, and a 91% (126/139) concordance rate was achieved. During the audit, 125 CBCT images from 13 @entity1 were reviewed by a single observer and concordance was 92%. CONCLUSION: Radiographer-led selection of plan of the day was implemented successfully with the use of a training programme and continual assessment. Quality has been maintained over a period of 3 years. Advances in knowledge: The training programme was successful in achieving and maintaining competency for a plan of the day technique.
