Avoiding a crisis: A national review of implementing the role of advanced practice in radiation therapists in Ireland

Advanced practice is not a new concept in Irish healthcare, having been established in nursing for decades. However, there is limited clinical career progression for radiation therapists as advanced practice roles have not been formalised within radiotherapy. The same factors driving other jurisdictions worldwide to implement advanced practice roles in radiotherapy are the reasons for change in Ireland today: an ageing population, new technology, recruitment, retention, task-shifting, and optimisation of patient-centred care. A national framework in Ireland has not yet been established. To identify the key barriers and enablers of implementing advanced practice in radiotherapy in Ireland, a qualitative study was undertaken, which consisted of semi-structured interviews of 10 key senior stakeholders. The key themes identified were: training/education, professional development, governance and workplace culture. Ethics approval and participant consent were sought in advance. Participants across both public and private sectors acknowledged the potential of advanced practice in radiation therapy roles to tackle recruitment and retention issues, enhance patient care and optimise service efficiency. Key findings included the need for funded education in addition to frustration around slow implementation despite widespread clinical support. The recommendations based on the study findings are: – Creation of an Irish AP implementation steering group – Create a specific APRT guidance framework document. – Recognition of master’s level education requirement for the role to be undertaken and completed in post in a candidacy style