To elucidate the current role of radiation oncology advanced practice providers (APPs) in the US and clarify specific tasks that may benefit from a radiation oncology-specific curriculum.
Key Findings:
APPs perform similarly to residents and attendings on over 95% of quality assurance metrics, indicating their competence.
46% of APPs' time is spent on indirect patient care activities, highlighting the need for role clarity.
There is variability in the role of radiation oncology APPs across clinics, suggesting a need for standardization.
Interpretation:
The study highlights the potential for APPs to enhance clinic efficiency and patient care quality, while also identifying the need for a standardized curriculum to support their clinical responsibilities and improve integration into clinical teams.
Limitations:
The study did not involve APPs in the initial construction of the ROECSG EPAs, which may limit the relevance of the EPAs to their actual responsibilities.
The survey may not capture all APP-specific responsibilities not covered by the EPAs, potentially underrepresenting their roles.
Conclusion:
Defining the APP role in radiation oncology can improve clinic operations and patient care, addressing the evolving demands of cancer treatment.
