- The Therapeutic Radiographer will be responsible for the accurate delivery of radiation therapy to patients with cancer and blood disorders.
- The role holder will position patients for treatment, ensure precise radiation dose delivery, maintain patient safety, and contribute to optimal patient outcomes through high-quality care and treatment delivery in collaboration with a multidisciplinary oncology team.
Key Accountabilities/Responsibilities
Treatment Delivery and Patient Care:
- Administer radiation therapy treatments using advanced equipment in accordance with oncological protocols.
- Accurately position patients for treatment, ensuring optimal alignment using immobilization devices.
- Monitor patients during therapy, managing adverse reactions and ensuring comfort.
- Document treatment details, including dose parameters, patient responses, and any deviations.
- Ensure patient safety by adhering to radiation protection guidelines.
- Report and escalate any treatment-related concerns to the oncology team.
Quality Assurance & Equipment Maintenance:
- Perform daily QA checks on radiation therapy machines to ensure proper calibration.
- Collaborate with medical physicists to validate treatment plans and dose accuracy.
- Maintain records of equipment performance and report malfunctions promptly.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory and AMCE's safety standards.
- Participate in routine maintenance and troubleshooting of radiotherapy equipment.
- Stay updated on technological advancements in radiation therapy.
Patient Education & Support:
- Explain treatment procedures, side effects, and post-treatment care to patients and families.
- Provide emotional support and address patient concerns throughout therapy.
- Educate patients on managing side effects (e.g., skin care, fatigue).
- Reinforce adherence to treatment schedules and follow-up appointments.
- Develop patient education materials in collaboration with the oncology team.
- Assess patient understanding and adjust communication as needed.
Radiation Safety & Compliance:
- Ensure proper shielding and patient positioning to minimize radiation exposure.
- Monitor and document radiation doses for patients and staff.
- Adhere to ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principles.
- Participate in radiation safety audits and training programs.
- Report and investigate any radiation safety incidents.
- Maintain compliance with national and international radiation safety regulations.
Multidisciplinary Collaboration:
- Work closely with oncologists, medical physicists, and nurses to optimize treatment plans.
- Attend tumor board meetings and case discussions.
- Communicate treatment progress and patient concerns to the care team.
- Contribute to the development of standardized treatment protocols.
- Assist in clinical trials and research initiatives.
- Provide feedback to improve departmental workflows.
Documentation & Record-Keeping:
- Accurately record treatment parameters in electronic medical records (EMR).
- Maintain patient treatment logs and verify data integrity.
- Ensure timely documentation of patient reactions and interventions.
- Support data collection for clinical audits and research.
- Follow AMCE's policies on confidentiality and data security.
- Assist in generating reports for regulatory compliance.
Professional Development:
- Obtain and maintain relevant certifications
- Stay updated on best practices in radiation oncology.
- Mentor junior radiographers and students.
- Participate in departmental training and workshops.
- Contribute to research and publications in radiotherapy.
Emergency & Contingency Management:
- Respond to equipment failures or treatment interruptions with contingency plans.
- Follow emergency protocols for radiation accidents or patient distress.
- Train staff on emergency response procedures.
- Maintain backup systems for critical treatment data.
- Report incidents and participate in root cause analysis.
- Ensure continuity of care during unforeseen disruptions.
Patient Experience & Satisfaction:
- Foster a compassionate and patient-centered care environment.
- Solicit patient feedback to improve service delivery.
- Address patient complaints promptly and professionally.
- Ensure timely communication with patients regarding scheduling changes.
- Maintain a clean and comfortable treatment environment.
- Recognize cultural and individual patient preferences in care delivery.
- Bachelor's degree in Radiography or a related field, with a focus on therapeutic radiography.
- Advanced certifications or additional training in oncology radiography or radiation therapy are preferred.
- Current and valid professional licensure/registration as a Therapeutic Radiographer.
- Strong understanding of radiation physics, dosimetry, and radiobiology relevant to treatment delivery.
- Excellent patient care and communication skills, with a compassionate approach.
- Ability to accurately position patients and perform precise treatment setups.
- Knowledge of radiation safety protocols and emergency procedures.
- Attention to detail and strong problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.