Advanced Practice Radiation Therapy (APRT) has been growing in numerous jurisdictions around the world. Until recently, that work and growth was conducted in a siloed way between and within countries.  The Advanced Practice Radiation Therapy International Community of Practice (APRT iCoP) was formed in 2020 to try to overcome the disconnect of our collective individualized work to date, to build upon the quality and safety of radiation therapy delivery and patient care, and improve global access to radiation therapy treatment. 

The APRT iCoP has been working to establish a clearer, more harmonized understanding of what APRT is and how it can be implemented optimally into existing radiation treatment systems to improve patient outcomes.  This is accomplished through collaboration, information sharing, and knowledge production that can be used by decision makers to understand how to add APRT to the current team to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of RT care in new systems. 

The APRT iCoP has grown from the inaugural group of 13 participants from five countries, to 77 members from 18 countries around the world.  The group meets regularly to discuss/develop potential initiatives facilitating opportunities for international collaboration for research/quality initiatives, building a mentorship platform for new APRTs and acting as a resource/central hub for countries/jurisdictions who are developing or are interested in developing APRT roles.  A podcast series has also been launched, available for free on Spotify (search for APRT iCoP or go to https://open.spotify.com/show/3hPXT8q7gt8tfyQeigrXmm).  If you are interested in joining the APRT iCoP, please send an email to APRTiCOP@gmail.com.

The common message coming out of our collaborations is that we are stronger when we work together.  We look forward to expanding global efforts to achieve a better understanding of advanced practice roles and supporting our colleagues around the world to continue to improve care for patients.

Article Written By Natalie Rozanec and Nicole Harnett, Co-Chairs, APRT iCoP

 

 

 

Natalie Rozanec, APRT(T), MRT(T), MSc.

Program Manager, Medical Radiation Sciences Program

Department of Radiation Oncology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine

University of Toronto

natalie.rozanec@utoronto.ca

Nicole Harnett, RT(T) BSc AC(T) MEd

Director, Accelerated Education Program, Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre

Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto

Director, Curriculum, Institute of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto

nicole.harnett@uhn.ca