Article Gold Open Access 2024

Radiation therapist education and the changing landscape in Africa

Technical Innovations and Patient Support in Radiation Oncology
Journal · Vol. 31 · Art. 100263
Abstract

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. © 2024 The Author(s)

Keywords

Author Keywords

Professional education clinical competence Activity system Caring practice Radiotherapy radiographer

Index Keywords

adult clinical competence female human Oncology Article care behavior Thematic analysis Vocational education curriculum education cultural anthropology education program Africa landscape radiographer radiotherapist radiotherapy
Author Affiliations
School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville, South Africa
Funding & Acknowledgements
No funding information
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