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. 2022 Oct 25:24:94-100.
doi: 10.1016/j.tipsro.2022.09.004. eCollection 2022 Dec.

A new wave of leaders: Early evaluation of the interdisciplinary Foundations of Leadership in Radiation Oncology (FLiRO) program

Sandra Turner  1   2 , Kim Benstead  3 , Barbara-Ann Millar  4   5 , Lucinda Morris  6 , Matthew Seel  7 , Michelle Leech  8 , Jesper G Eriksen  9 , Meredith Giuliani  4
Affiliations

A new wave of leaders: Early evaluation of the interdisciplinary Foundations of Leadership in Radiation Oncology (FLiRO) program

Sandra Turner et al. Tech Innov Patient Support Radiat Oncol. .

Abstract

Purpose: Effective leadership across all areas of radiation oncology (RO) is vital to fully realise the benefits of radiation therapy in cancer care. We report outcomes of a novel interdisciplinary leadership program designed for RO professionals under a global joint society initiative.

Methods: The Foundations of Leadership in RO (FLiRO) program was designed for aspiring RO leaders. Initially delivered in a blended learning format, it was adapted to fully virtual in 2021. It comprised a webinar tutorial, on-line modules and homework followed by 'live' in-person/virtual workshops over an approximately 6-week period. Topics included personal awareness, effective teamwork, quality improvement skills, leading change and conflict management. An immediate post-program online survey was performed using Likert scales to measure self-reported educational value, interaction with others and the likely application of learning to practice. Open comments were invited.

Results: 170 participants from 36 countries and 6 continents took part from 2018 to 2021 (99 doctors, 36 physicists, 32 radiation therapists/RTTs and 3 others). 141 (83%) participants responded to the post-program survey. Average weightings for responders' views on whether pre-determined learning objectives were met ranged from 4.30 to 4.61 on a 5-point scale (1 = 'not met at all' and 5 = completely met). For the question addressing potential value of learning for application to their workplace, 124 of 130 (95%) of responders indicated that FLIRO would be 'very useful' or 'extremely useful'.

Conclusion: Initial evaluation of the FLiRO program supports its continuation and expansion with ongoing evolution based on emerging evidence around leadership education and participant feedback.

Keywords: Curriculum development; Health professionals; Leadership; Medical Education; Radiation Oncology.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Program outline and session topics.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Percentage of participants by professional type (all participants, n = 170).
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Extent to which pre-articulated program learning outcomes were met.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Self-reported relevance and value of learning to workplace practice.
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Opportunity for engagement and interaction with others (comparing blended versus virtual formats, n = 54).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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