From classroom to clinic: innovating radiotherapy treatment planning education through real-world end-to-end case study simulation with an anthropomorphic phantom
Abstract Background 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 st...
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BMC
2025-03-01
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| Series: | BMC Medical Education |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-025-06695-w |
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| author | Ioannis Genitsarios Robin Jhagra Clive Warn Jesrina Ann Xavier |
| author_facet | Ioannis Genitsarios Robin Jhagra Clive Warn Jesrina Ann Xavier |
| author_sort | Ioannis Genitsarios |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background 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. Methods 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. Results 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. Conclusions 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. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-5cf7ebe2768a4cf4a7c506d6aea8229a |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 1472-6920 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-03-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Medical Education |
| spelling | doaj-art-5cf7ebe2768a4cf4a7c506d6aea8229a2025-08-20T03:07:41ZengBMCBMC Medical Education1472-69202025-03-0125111710.1186/s12909-025-06695-wFrom classroom to clinic: innovating radiotherapy treatment planning education through real-world end-to-end case study simulation with an anthropomorphic phantomIoannis Genitsarios0Robin Jhagra1Clive Warn2Jesrina Ann Xavier3Clinical Educator, German Oncology CentreUniversity Academic and Doctoral Researcher, University of the West of EnglandUniversity Academic and Programme Director, University of the West of EnglandUniversity Academic and Post-Doctoral Researcher, Taylor’s UniversityAbstract Background 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. Methods 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. Results 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. Conclusions 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.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-025-06695-wRadiotherapy educationSimulation-based learningAnthropomorphic phantomRadiotherapy treatment planningEnd-to-end case study learningHealthcare simulation |
| spellingShingle | Ioannis Genitsarios Robin Jhagra Clive Warn Jesrina Ann Xavier From classroom to clinic: innovating radiotherapy treatment planning education through real-world end-to-end case study simulation with an anthropomorphic phantom BMC Medical Education Radiotherapy education Simulation-based learning Anthropomorphic phantom Radiotherapy treatment planning End-to-end case study learning Healthcare simulation |
| title | From classroom to clinic: innovating radiotherapy treatment planning education through real-world end-to-end case study simulation with an anthropomorphic phantom |
| title_full | From classroom to clinic: innovating radiotherapy treatment planning education through real-world end-to-end case study simulation with an anthropomorphic phantom |
| title_fullStr | From classroom to clinic: innovating radiotherapy treatment planning education through real-world end-to-end case study simulation with an anthropomorphic phantom |
| title_full_unstemmed | From classroom to clinic: innovating radiotherapy treatment planning education through real-world end-to-end case study simulation with an anthropomorphic phantom |
| title_short | From classroom to clinic: innovating radiotherapy treatment planning education through real-world end-to-end case study simulation with an anthropomorphic phantom |
| title_sort | from classroom to clinic innovating radiotherapy treatment planning education through real world end to end case study simulation with an anthropomorphic phantom |
| topic | Radiotherapy education Simulation-based learning Anthropomorphic phantom Radiotherapy treatment planning End-to-end case study learning Healthcare simulation |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-025-06695-w |
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