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Evaluating the effectiveness of the clinical research radiographer undertaking the on-treatment review of clinical trial patients receiving radiotherapy for prostate cancer

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 December 2018

Stacey Murray ,
Terri M Gilleece Open the ORCID record for Terri M Gilleece [Opens in a new window]  and
Paul H Shepherd
Stacey Murray
Affiliation:
School of Health Sciences, Ulster University, Newtownabbey, Antrim, UK
Terri M Gilleece*
Affiliation:
School of Health Sciences, Ulster University, Newtownabbey, Antrim, UK
Paul H Shepherd
Affiliation:
School of Health Sciences, Ulster University, Newtownabbey, Antrim, UK
*
Author for correspondence: Terri M Gilleece, School of Health Sciences, Ulster University, Shore Road, Newtownabbey, BT37 0QB, Antrim, UK. E-mail: tm.gilleece@ulster.ac.uk
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Abstract

Background

Radiotherapy clinical trials are at the forefront of modern-day prostate cancer patient management. Patients are reviewed during treatment by clinical oncologists or competent on-treatment review radiographers to minimise treatment toxicities. Clinical Research Radiographers (CRRs) routinely monitor and gather research data from patients participating in clinical trials.

Purpose

The aim of this article is to evaluate the effectiveness of the CRR undertaking the on-treatment review of clinical trial patients.

Method

An experienced CRR within the Northern Ireland Cancer Trials Network was supervised by a clinical oncologist to undertake the role of the on-treatment review of patients receiving radiotherapy for prostate cancer. The CRR explored published literature and compiled this written evaluation as part of their advanced practice learning.

Results

The supervising clinical oncologist verified, following the planned period of supervised practice and academic study, that the CRR was competent to fulfil the role. Evidence of the beneficial synergistic impact of co-joining the roles was experienced at first hand during the undertaking of supervised practice.

Conclusion

Co-joining the roles and responsibilities of the CRR and the on-treatment review radiographer enhanced the quality of care offered to the patients participating in clinical trials.

Keywords

Clinical Research Radiographer (CRR)clinical trialsprostate cancerradiotherapyradiographer review
Type
Original Article
Information
Journal of Radiotherapy in Practice , Volume 18 , Issue 2 , June 2019 , pp. 123 - 126
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Copyright
© Cambridge University Press 2018 

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Footnotes

Cite this article: Murray S, Gilleece TM, Shepherd PH. (2019) Evaluating the effectiveness of the clinical research radiographer undertaking the on-treatment review of clinical trial patients receiving radiotherapy for prostate cancer. Journal of Radiotherapy in Practice18: 123–126. doi: 10.1017/S1460396918000626

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