TY - JOUR
T1 - Radiation therapist education and the changing landscape in Africa
AU - Kyei, K. A.
AU - Engel-Hills, P.
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 The Author(s)
PY - 2024/9
Y1 - 2024/9
N2 - In the changing global landscape, education programs for radiation therapists (RTTs), also known as therapeutic radiographers or radiation therapy technologists, at higher education institutions (HEIs) are non-existent in many African countries. In countries with local RTT education programs, there is evidence of a wide variety of qualification types, including in-house training, diploma and degree offerings. However, what is consistent is the integrated curriculum approach to classroom theory and clinical work-based learning that across the continent follows the general structure of a work-integrated learning (WIL) approach, to enhance clinical competence and meet the needs of the health sector. This study used a qualitative approach with thematic analysis of publicly available documents and reflective writings followed by further analysis through application of the Cultural Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) to explore the changing landscape of oncology in Africa and the impact of this on the education of RTTs. The study was guided by the reflective research question: How can the systemic understanding of RTT training in a changing landscape enable competent and caring practice? The study extends prior research on RTT education in Africa and contributes to debates on the changing role of RTTs in a rapidly changing environment.
AB - In the changing global landscape, education programs for radiation therapists (RTTs), also known as therapeutic radiographers or radiation therapy technologists, at higher education institutions (HEIs) are non-existent in many African countries. In countries with local RTT education programs, there is evidence of a wide variety of qualification types, including in-house training, diploma and degree offerings. However, what is consistent is the integrated curriculum approach to classroom theory and clinical work-based learning that across the continent follows the general structure of a work-integrated learning (WIL) approach, to enhance clinical competence and meet the needs of the health sector. This study used a qualitative approach with thematic analysis of publicly available documents and reflective writings followed by further analysis through application of the Cultural Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) to explore the changing landscape of oncology in Africa and the impact of this on the education of RTTs. The study was guided by the reflective research question: How can the systemic understanding of RTT training in a changing landscape enable competent and caring practice? The study extends prior research on RTT education in Africa and contributes to debates on the changing role of RTTs in a rapidly changing environment.
KW - Activity system
KW - Caring practice
KW - Clinical competence
KW - Professional education
KW - Radiotherapy radiographer
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85199679348&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.tipsro.2024.100263
DO - 10.1016/j.tipsro.2024.100263
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85199679348
SN - 2405-6324
VL - 31
JO - Technical Innovations and Patient Support in Radiation Oncology
JF - Technical Innovations and Patient Support in Radiation Oncology
M1 - 100263
ER -