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PQA 03 - PQA 03 Gynecological Cancer, Pediatric Cancer, and Professional Development Poster Q&A

3586 - Defining a Radiation Oncology Observership Curriculum via the Delphi Method

Monday, September 30, 2024
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM ET
Location: Hall C

Screen: 22

J. Willcox1, A. T. Gregg2, S. E. Braunstein3, M. D. Mattes4, J. R. Gunther5, and M. J. Abrams6; 1Department of Radiation Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, 2Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 3Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 4Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 5Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 6Department of Radiation Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA

Purpose/Objective(s): Many medical students in the United States lack formal exposure to radiation oncology during their undergraduate medical education. In contrast to multi-week electives, microclerkships, or brief (<1 week) observerships, could provide many medical students with a first exposure to the field of radiation oncology (RO). The aim of this study was to establish expert consensus for a radiation oncology observership duration, curriculum, target audience, and goals/objectives that prepares future physicians who may be interested in pursuing other medical specialties with a basic understanding of the field.

Materials/

Methods: We distributed a needs assessment survey which evaluated the demand for, and the essential elements of an RO observership to medical student clerkship directors. Based on its results, we developed a preliminary set of 7 goals, 5 objectives, and 4 curricular items. These were then refined through an iterative Delphi process. Three surveys were sent to 7 medical education experts across several institutions and medical specialties. Surveys asked participants to rank the importance of goals, objectives, and curricular items for inclusion in the observership based on a Likert scale, comment on clarity, and suggest new elements. The consensus threshold was defined as 83% of respondents selecting “Definitely Include” or “Maybe Include”. In the final survey, participants were asked to explain if they selected an exclusionary option.


Results: The results of the Delphi study demonstrated that third year medical students and a 3-5 day observership were the ideal target audience and duration. Four elements did not meet the consensus threshold in the first survey; 1 goal and 3 curricular items. Following the second survey, 4 elements did not meet the consensus threshold; 2 goals, 1 objective, and 1 curricular item. The final Delphi study outcomes are reflected in Table 1.


Conclusion: Through the Delphi process, we have established a framework for an undergraduate RO observership with a consensus curriculum, target audience, and goals/objectives. Integration of this 3-5 day observership into medical school curricula will provide an avenue for medical schools to increase exposure to RO during undergraduate medical education.

Abstract 3586 – Table 1: Final outcomes

Key: Dark gray= Included Light gray= Included with changes (e.g. merged with another element or change in phrasing) White= Removed

Category

Element

Final Disposition

Goals

Value of RO

Understanding of RO mechanisms

RO integration in care

Interdisciplinary management

Visualizing team members

Longitudinal care

Workflow

Objectives

See a consult

Participate in a simulation

See a follow-up

See an on-treatment visit

Observe contouring, treatment planning/review

Curriculum

Pre-clinic and post-clinic quiz

Pre-clinic RO video

Pre-clinic 1 hour RO lecture

Shadowing