What we discovered
In relation to job plans, the research found that while practitioners’ core functions were generally similar there are some important differences, which can likely be attributed to the isolated way in which these roles have developed. The majority of posts have been created out of the existing radiographic establishment.
Plus, most of the domains of advanced and consultant practice are represented but under-developed, there is a lack of consistency about what the role should be and no robust sense of identity or professional ownership of the role.
Particular themes highlighted by this service mapping and development project, which aimed to understand and strengthen the growing prostate site-specialist workforce included:
- the sustainability of the role
- consistency of the core functions of the role
- a lack of clarity about the limits of the role, i.e. where it should begin and end
- the expressed ambivalence about the value of professional supervision
- the need for support for relevant education and skills development, especially prescribing
- a lack of engagement with research both in relation to the role and radiotherapy practice.
By identifying the support and development needs of practitioners through this research, we have created an online community forum and framework for collaborative practice with associated resources, opportunities for networking and future role developments to help implement the recommendations into practice.
- For more information about the network, email spencerg@sor.org
