The current and future role of the MRI radiographer in radiation oncology: A collaborative, experiential reflection on the Australian rollout of dedicated MRI simulators
Abstract Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has proven value in radiotherapy treatment planning (RTP). MRI provides excellent soft tissue contrast, and improves lesion detection, definition and extent, allowing for increased conformal treatment. Recent installation of dedicated MRI simulators and MRI‐...
| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wiley
2023-04-01
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| Series: | Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1002/jmrs.646 |
| _version_ | 1797840688268705792 |
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| author | Glenn Cahoon Kate Skehan Doaa Elwadia Robba Rai |
| author_facet | Glenn Cahoon Kate Skehan Doaa Elwadia Robba Rai |
| author_sort | Glenn Cahoon |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has proven value in radiotherapy treatment planning (RTP). MRI provides excellent soft tissue contrast, and improves lesion detection, definition and extent, allowing for increased conformal treatment. Recent installation of dedicated MRI simulators and MRI‐guided linear accelerators (MR Linacs) within radiation oncology departments has led to a sudden and rapid expansion in the scope of practice for many radiation therapists and MRI radiographers. The lack of current recommendations, guidelines and credentialing for both MRI radiographers and radiation therapists working within these atypical MRI environments poses a significant challenge for the education and training of staff, and the safe operation of these units. This commentary discusses current pathways for radiographers and radiation therapists entering the emerging field of MRI‐guided radiation oncology, and the future role of the MRI radiographer in addressing the unique issues found in non‐standard MRI environments. The authors draw on their collective experience as MRI radiographers assisting the rollout of dedicated MRI simulators in radiation oncology departments across Australia and reflect on the need for close collaboration between radiographers, radiation therapists and their respective departments. There is also a critical role for professional bodies to play in supporting existing and future roles in MRI and recognising advanced practitioner scope of practice. |
| first_indexed | 2024-04-09T16:18:53Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-ffb777429a4e4a4ab191161c7f690d5b |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2051-3895 2051-3909 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-09T16:18:53Z |
| publishDate | 2023-04-01 |
| publisher | Wiley |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences |
| spelling | doaj.art-ffb777429a4e4a4ab191161c7f690d5b2023-04-23T17:07:50ZengWileyJournal of Medical Radiation Sciences2051-38952051-39092023-04-0170S210711310.1002/jmrs.646The current and future role of the MRI radiographer in radiation oncology: A collaborative, experiential reflection on the Australian rollout of dedicated MRI simulatorsGlenn Cahoon0Kate Skehan1Doaa Elwadia2Robba Rai3Olivia Newton John Cancer and Wellness Centre Heidelberg Victoria AustraliaDepartment of Radiation Oncology Calvary Mater Newcastle Newcastle New South Wales AustraliaLiverpool and Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centre Liverpool Hospital Liverpool New South Wales AustraliaLiverpool and Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centre Liverpool Hospital Liverpool New South Wales AustraliaAbstract Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has proven value in radiotherapy treatment planning (RTP). MRI provides excellent soft tissue contrast, and improves lesion detection, definition and extent, allowing for increased conformal treatment. Recent installation of dedicated MRI simulators and MRI‐guided linear accelerators (MR Linacs) within radiation oncology departments has led to a sudden and rapid expansion in the scope of practice for many radiation therapists and MRI radiographers. The lack of current recommendations, guidelines and credentialing for both MRI radiographers and radiation therapists working within these atypical MRI environments poses a significant challenge for the education and training of staff, and the safe operation of these units. This commentary discusses current pathways for radiographers and radiation therapists entering the emerging field of MRI‐guided radiation oncology, and the future role of the MRI radiographer in addressing the unique issues found in non‐standard MRI environments. The authors draw on their collective experience as MRI radiographers assisting the rollout of dedicated MRI simulators in radiation oncology departments across Australia and reflect on the need for close collaboration between radiographers, radiation therapists and their respective departments. There is also a critical role for professional bodies to play in supporting existing and future roles in MRI and recognising advanced practitioner scope of practice.https://doi.org/10.1002/jmrs.646 |
| spellingShingle | Glenn Cahoon Kate Skehan Doaa Elwadia Robba Rai The current and future role of the MRI radiographer in radiation oncology: A collaborative, experiential reflection on the Australian rollout of dedicated MRI simulators Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences |
| title | The current and future role of the MRI radiographer in radiation oncology: A collaborative, experiential reflection on the Australian rollout of dedicated MRI simulators |
| title_full | The current and future role of the MRI radiographer in radiation oncology: A collaborative, experiential reflection on the Australian rollout of dedicated MRI simulators |
| title_fullStr | The current and future role of the MRI radiographer in radiation oncology: A collaborative, experiential reflection on the Australian rollout of dedicated MRI simulators |
| title_full_unstemmed | The current and future role of the MRI radiographer in radiation oncology: A collaborative, experiential reflection on the Australian rollout of dedicated MRI simulators |
| title_short | The current and future role of the MRI radiographer in radiation oncology: A collaborative, experiential reflection on the Australian rollout of dedicated MRI simulators |
| title_sort | current and future role of the mri radiographer in radiation oncology a collaborative experiential reflection on the australian rollout of dedicated mri simulators |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1002/jmrs.646 |
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