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Meeting the research agenda in Australian radiation therapy: the current picture

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 June 2009

C.A. Wright ,
B. Hilder  and
M.E. Schneider-Kolsky
C.A. Wright
Affiliation:
Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
B. Hilder
Affiliation:
W.P. Holman Clinic, Royal Hobart Hospital, Tasmania, Australia
M.E. Schneider-Kolsky
Affiliation:
Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
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Abstract

In recent years the role of the radiation therapist (RT) has increasingly evolved. In Australia, one of the major developments has been the transition from practice which was rarely based on scientific evidence, to the profession today which engages in and incorporates research into everyday practice. The aim of this article is to provide an insight into the current status of Australian radiation therapy research. In order to present a national overview, a survey relating to research activity was e-mailed to all (48) clinical centres in Australia. Thirty-six out of the 48 centres responded, representing 13 private and 23 public centres. The results demonstrated that a research culture is beginning to be established and that there are challenges associated with implementing research. The role of universities in facilitating the development of research skills was considered important with an increasing number of practitioners undertaking higher research degrees. Overall, research activity in the Australian radiation therapy community is becoming more prevalent. If the profession is to continue to strengthen its research profile the professional body and universities need to continue providing academic and funding support. Greater focus on multidisciplinary collaboration is needed with direct involvement of RTs in multi-centre studies.

Keywords

radiation therapyresearchAustralia
Type
Original Article
Information
Journal of Radiotherapy in Practice , Volume 8 , Issue 2 , June 2009 , pp. 67 - 77
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2009

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