Improving Radiation Oncology Providers' Workload and Performance: Can Simulation-based Training Help?

Publication date: Available online 17 February 2017
Source:Practical Radiation Oncology
Author(s): Lukasz M. Mazur, Prithima R. Mosaly, Gregg Tracton, Marjorie P. Stiegler, Robert Adams, Bhishamjit Chera, Lawrence B. Marks
PurposeTo help with ongoing safety challenges in radiation therapy (RT) the objective of this research was to develop and assess the impact of simulation-based training intervention on radiation oncology providers' workload and performance during treatment planning and quality assurance (QA) tasks.Methods and materials18 radiation oncology professionals completed routine treatment planning and QA tasks on two clinical scenarios in a simulation laboratory, as part of a prospective IRB-approved study. Workload was measured at the end of each assessment/scenario using the NASA Task-Load Index (NASA-TLX). Performance was quantified based on procedural compliance (adherence to pre-set/standard QA tasks), time-to-scenario completion, and clinically relevant performance. Participants were then randomized to receive (vs. not receive) simulation-based training intervention (e.g., standardized feedback on workload and performance) and underwent repeat measurements of workload and performance. Pre- and post-intervention changes in workload and performance from participants who received (vs. did not receive) were compared using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).ResultsSimulation-based training was associated with significant improvements in procedural compliance (p=0.01) and increases in time-to-scenario completion (p=0.01), but had no significant impact on subjective workload or clinically relevant performance.ConclusionSimulation-based training may be a tool to improve procedural compliance of RT professionals and to acquire new skills and knowledge to proactively maintain RT professionals' preoccupation with patient safety.



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