Volume 62, Issue 6 pp. 847-853
Radiation Oncology—Original Article

Can radiation oncologists learn to be better leaders? Outcomes of a pilot Foundations of Leadership in Radiation Oncology program for trainees delivered via personal electronic devices

Sandra Turner

Corresponding Author

Sandra Turner

Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Correspondence

Associate Professor Sandra Turner, Sydney The Medical School, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia.

Email: [email protected]

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Anna Janssen

Anna Janssen

Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

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Ming-Ka Chan

Ming-Ka Chan

Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada

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Lucinda Morris

Lucinda Morris

Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

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Rowena Martin

Rowena Martin

Department of Radiation Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

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Penelope Mackenzie

Penelope Mackenzie

Department of Radiation Oncology, St George Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

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Tim Shaw

Tim Shaw

Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

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First published: 05 September 2018
Citations: 8
S Turner MBBS, FRANZCR; A Janssen PhD; M-K Chan MD, MHPE, FRCPC; L Morris MBBS, FRANZCR; R Martin MBBS, FRANZCR; P Mackenzie MBBS, FRANZCR; T Shaw BSc, PhD.
Conflict of interest: None.

Abstract

Introduction

There has been no systematic attempt to enhance leadership capacity within radiation oncology as an integrated component of training. This pilot study examines an intervention to introduce basics of leadership learning to radiation oncology trainees.

Methods

A case-based learning tool was designed for delivery via trainees’ personal electronic devices. Eight typical workplace case scenarios representing leadership challenges were followed by multiple choice questions, key learning points and hyperlinks to relevant resources. Cases were automatically sent every few days over 4 weeks and participants’ responses anonymously collated by the delivery platform (QStream). In addition, an online survey was sent at completion of the program to capture trainees’ perspectives on the utility of this tool.

Results

Thirty-seven of 45 (82%) trainees participated: 21 females and 16 males. Twenty-six of 37 (70%) starting the program completed it. Sixteen (62% of ‘completers’) responded to the post-program survey. Fourteen of 16 (87.5%) agreed to the program and helped them identify ways they were already exhibiting leadership. Eleven of 16 (68.8%) agreed they had acquired knowledge that could assist them in being better leaders. Fifteen of 16 said the program made them consider future leadership possibilities in radiation oncology. Fourteen of 15 enjoyed the digital format. Most suggestions for improvement linked to a desire for more interactivity in learning these skills.

Conclusion

Piloting an online tool designed to introduce foundation leadership concepts to radiation oncology trainees has provided useful feedback to guide further development in this area. Although this method had high feasibility, it revealed the need for additional interactive methods for leadership learning.

The full text of this article hosted at iucr.org is unavailable due to technical difficulties.