Radiotherap-e. An e-learning programme in advanced radiotherapy techniques

Over the past decade, radiotherapy has seen unprecedented advances in technology and techniques, many of which incorporate new concepts and skills which may be unfamiliar to the current workforce. In 2007, the Department of Health National Radiotherapy Action Group (NRAG) and the NHS Cancer Reform Strategy laid out a vision for a world class radiotherapy service in the UK, with equitable access to advanced radiotherapy techniques across the nation by 2012 . A survey by the Radiotherapy Development Board in 2009 found however that progress with implementing advanced radiotherapy techniques in the UK, specifically intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), has been slower than expected . Lack of appropriately trained physicists (86%), oncologists (54%), dosimetrists (54%) and radiographers (20%) were frequently cited by departments as reasons for failure to progress with IMRT implementation.