DE07 Skin radiotherapy as part of a training programme for dermatology residents in the UK: 2024 update

Abstract The UK dermatology national curriculum mandates that trainees must obtain specific competencies within radiotherapy. Radiotherapy is an important treatment option for skin cancers. Training exposure is limited among dermatology residents, and residents are responsible for arranging means of fulfilling this requirement such as through observerships or independent study. However, the quality of training in this area can be extremely varied, which can in turn affect the quality of radiotherapy referrals received to radiotherapy departments. This can subsequently limit treatment choices offered to patients if the education on it is varied. To address this unmet need, we developed an innovative programme that delivers these competencies within our deanery. The training programme consists of a radiotherapy training day and participation in regular skin radiotherapy clinics over a 3-month period. The radiotherapy training day consists of interactive lectures covering curriculum objectives, followed by small-group practical sessions looking at radiotherapy equipment, as well as procedures and patient contact. This is delivered by a multidisciplinary team involving radiotherapy doctors, radiographers and medical physicists. The clinics included new and follow-up patients with skin cancer, skin marking planning sessions and treatment reviews. Feedback was obtained through survey responses and feedback forms. The initial report was presented at the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology 2020. We are now presenting an updated report based on feedback from almost 40 trainees who attended the rotation. On average, responders graded their knowledge below average, reporting a 4 out of 10 on a graded scale. Following the programme, responders rated themselves as confident for various learning objectives. These learning objectives included the following: indications and contraindications for skin radiotherapy, optimal patients to refer for radiotherapy, methods of delivering radiotherapy, patient compliance, management of skin toxicities, radiotherapy planning, dealing with patients who lack capacity and patients’ involvement in the decision-making process. Overall, the programme was very well received and it succeeded in increasing knowledge and confidence among dermatology residents in skin radiotherapy. Further incorporation of this programme into dermatology training and addition of regular radiotherapy clinics into the dermatology resident rota have now streamlined training in this field, ensuring that curriculum objectives are properly met and patient care and referral practice are improved within the region.