Patient engagement in CPD in radiation oncology and radiation therapy across Canada: A national survey

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate patient engagement (PE) in the development and delivery of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programs for health care providers within radiation oncology, radiation therapy and medical physics across Canada. This study looked at the current state of PE in CPD programs across Canada and how to address the benefits and barriers to PE to advance these programs.Methods: A quantitative, explorator y sur vey was conducted among radiation oncologists, radiation therapists and medical physicists across Canada. The questionnaire was developed by a multi-disciplinary team and piloted among interprofessional (IP) faculty with a special interest in patient education. The survey was web-based and disseminated through the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) and Canadian Radiation Oncologists (CARO) professional associations.Results: A total of 97 responses were obtained, 43.3% ( n = 41) were radiation oncologists 64% ( n = 54) were radiation therapists and 2(2%) were medical physicists. There was representation from all provinces, except Newfoundland, with the majority 36% ( n = 35) from Ontario. 57% ( n = 46) of participants agreed that patients should be involved in CPD, and 11% ( n = 9) disagreed. The most agreed-upon barriers are financial costs for patients and clinician bias when selecting patients. The most agreed-upon solutions were improving patient resources and creating training programs for patients. Radiation therapists agreed significantly more ( p < 0.05) with the potential benefits of PE in CPD, compared to radiation oncologists.Discussion: PE in CPD programs is a novel and controversial topic but is still highly rated and important. We intend to advocate for patients to take an active role in our CPD programs. Further research is warranted.