Gaps in radiation therapy awareness: Results from an educational multi-institutional survey of United States internal medicine residents

Publication date: Available online 29 March 2017
Source:International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics
Author(s): Narek Shaverdian, Sun Mi Yoo, Ryan Cook, Eric M. Chang, Naomi Jiang, Ye Yuan, Kiri Sandler, Michael Steinberg, Percy Lee
PurposeInternists and primary care providers play a growing role in cancer care. We therefore evaluated the awareness of radiation therapy in general and specifically the clinical utility of stereotactic-body radiation therapy (SBRT) for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) among current US internal medicine residents.MethodsA web-based IRB approved multi-institutional survey was distributed to US internal medicine residency programs. The survey evaluated trainee demographics, baseline radiation oncology awareness, knowledge of the role of SBRT for early-stage NSCLC and if the survey successfully improved awareness.ResultsThirty US internal medicine programs participated with an overall participant response rate of 46% (1,177/2,551). 93% (n=1076) of trainees reported no radiation oncology education in their residency, 39% (n=452) reported confidence in knowing when to consult radiation oncology in an oncologic emergency, and 26% (n=293) reported confidence in when to consult radiation oncology in the setting of a newly diagnosed cancer. 76% (n=850) of participants correctly identified that surgical resection is the standard treatment in operable early-stage NSCLC, but, only 50% (n=559) of participants would recommend SBRT to a medically inoperable patient, followed by 31% (n=347) of participants who were unsure of the most appropriate treatment, and 10% (n=117) who recommended waiting to offer palliative therapy. 90% (n=1029) of participants agreed that they would benefit from further training on when to consult radiation oncology. Overall, 96% (n=1072) found this survey to increase their knowledge and awareness of the role of SBRT.ConclusionsThe majority of participating trainees received no education in radiation oncology in their residency, reported a lack of confidence with regards to when to consult radiation oncology, and overwhelmingly agreed that they would benefit from further training. These findings should serve as a call to increase the educational collaboration between internal medicine and radiation oncology departments to ensure optimal cancer care.



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