The American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) has recently published important guidance on advanced practice, supported by SoR member Melanie Clarkson.
Melanie Clarkson, a Therapeutic Radiographer and programme director for MSc Advanced Practice in Non-Surgical Oncology at Sheffield Hallam University, was inspired to support colleagues in the US following her own work on advanced practice frameworks in the UK.
The ASRT document, Advanced Practice Radiation Therapist Educational Framework, sets out guidelines for educational programmes for advanced practice radiation therapist roles in the US. These include the entry criteria, the theory behind advanced practice and the application of the role in clinical practice.
Melanie said: “Participating in the Educational Framework Working Party with colleagues from the ASRT has been highly rewarding. This partnership showed how expertise can cross borders united by a common goal: building strong curricula that empower practitioners, enhance services and improve patient outcomes.”
Melanie previously led work in the UK creating the Non-Surgical Oncology Advanced Practice Area Specific Capability Framework, which led to her working with the ASRT Educational Framework Working Party to create the US guidance.
Dr Emma Hyde, SoR head of education and research, said: “It is great to see how the innovative non-surgical oncology advanced practice framework, led by Melanie Clarkson in the UK, has helped to shape the new Advanced Practice Radiation Therapists Educational Framework in the USA.
“This type of international collaboration has significant benefits in terms of patient outcomes and career development opportunities for radiographers.”
Maria Dimopoulos, member of the ASRT working party and assistant professor of radiation oncology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, said: "We have much to learn from colleagues in countries where advanced practice is more established. Melanie's expertise and contributions were invaluable in informing the development of our educational framework.”
Access the ASRT framework here.