Job responsibilities
1. Clinical responsibilities
1.1. Producing routine and complex treatment plans, carrying out the associated dosimetry calculations in accordance with the clinical prescription and agreed protocols and through plan verification.
1.2. To advise on the production of accurate patient immobilisation devices and beam defining aids.
1.3. Importing patient images from other computer/imaging systems into the treatment planning system when required. Performing image registration of diagnostic and planning CT datasets using both manual and automatic methods and providing an assessment on the accuracy and limitations of the resultant image fusion.
1.4. Ensuring that an approved clinician has outlined the appropriate tumour volume. Outlining critical patient organs and adding planning margins according to clinical protocol.
1.5. Reviewing the clinical diagnosis, patient notes and images, outlined volumes, prescription and dose constraints to ensure that the information provided is self-consistent, accurate, and in accordance with protocol.
1.6. Analysing and interpreting the clinical requirements of each patient, making complex judgements regarding treatment parameters, radiation dose effects and the desired outcome.
1.7. Developing and producing specialised treatment plans for each patient, with the required dose distribution over the planning target volume, whilst minimising the dose to healthy tissues, using appropriate systems.
1.8. Advising clinical staff on the effects of various, possibly conflicting, complex treatment plan options on patient dose distributions and likely outcomes. Discussing and agreeing approaches with clinical and scientific staff to produce optimum dosimetric plans where there may be conflicting outcomes. Advising on aspects of the treatment and patient set-up as required.
1.9. Ensuring that plans are checked and that all documentation is complete in accordance with quality system procedures before they are released for an independent check. Keeping the Lead Treatment Planning Dosimetrist up to date on the progress of the treatment plans for which the post-holder is responsible.
1.10. Re-planning patient treatments where required, following changes to the treatment regime or patient shape. Using judgement to analyse and determine the most appropriate compensation method. Calculating the compensation required and the subsequent patient dose. Carrying out manual dose calculations for review.
1.11. Performing routine quality assurance on the treatment planning systems.
1.12. Ensuring that the highly complex specialist treatment planning systems and dosimetry equipment is used safely.
1.13. Ensuring that clinical records are completed accurately and are up to date for all work performed.
1.14. Ensuring that treatment planning timetables, schedules and databases are up to date and assisting in the production of management statistics.
1.15. Reporting incidents, faults, errors and hazards in accordance with departmental protocols.
1.16. Participating in the Departments Technique Meeting and associated working parties that review treatment protocols and propose changes to existing techniques and ways of working that affect the radiotherapy physics service and the radiotherapy department.
1.17. Undertaking risk assessments and quality system audits to inform the decision making process.
1.18. Recommending, producing and implementing written protocols for treatment planning, in conjunction with the Lead Clinical Scientist for Treatment Planning, as part of the Departments Quality System.
1.19. Acting as an operator under the definitions of IR(ME)R in accordance with Trust policies, procedures and work instructions.
2. Management responsibilities
2.1. Prioritising and managing own specialist workload to meet agreed outcomes.
2.2. Keeping careful records of all work performed and other appropriate records as required for pre-treatment, mould room, dosimetry and statistical purposes.
2.3. Monitoring stock levels and informing Lead Treatment Planning Dosimetrist of any requirements to ensure that service delivery is maintained.
2.4. To act as mentor and professional advisor to all junior staff , students and SPRs
3. Professional responsibilities
3.1. The post-holder is professionally responsible to the Lead Treatment Planning Dosimetrist in the treatment planning section
3.2. Participate in an appropriate Continuing Professional Development scheme. Maintain therapeutic radiographic skills, working with patients as required.
3.3. Attend suitable seminars and courses as part of training and personal development and to further the work of the Department.
3.4. Ensure all activities are carried out within a quality framework and conform to Statutory Regulations, approved Codes of Practice and Local Safety Rules.
3.5. To provide expert clinical advice and professional support to new staff and less experienced staff.
3.6. To act as mentor to student radiographers and new staff
4. Teaching, training and research responsibilities
4.1. Providing practical instruction in treatment planning techniques to radiographers, dosimetrists, clinical scientists, medical staff, trainees and other Department staff receiving training in immobilisation device production, simulation techniques and treatment planning. Providing one-to-one training and tutorials where necessary.
4.2. Assessing the competency of medical staff, radiographers, clinicians and clinical scientists undergoing training in treatment planning, ensuring that training records and assessment forms are completed on time.
4.3. To act as mentor to new and more junior staff
4.4. To assist the Lead Treatment Planning Dosimetrist in assessing competencies
4.5. Assisting with the development of new techniques in conjunction with other staff groups. Taking an active role in research to introduce new equipment and clinical techniques.
4.6. Personally carrying through research and development projects approved by the Head of Radiotherapy Physics.
4.7. Regularly participating in clinical audit and trials to improve the clinical techniques used for radiation therapy.
5. Communication responsibilities
5.1. Communicating highly complex therapeutic information and advice relating to the planning and treatment of radiotherapy patients to other members of the service, consultant oncologists, specialist registrars and other health professionals.
6. Freedom to act
6.1. Works within clinical guidelines, service procedures and professional codes of practice and is able to use own judgement when designing and optimising patient specific pre-treatment plans. Accountable for own actions.
7. Miscellaneous
7.1. Ensure compliance with accredited Quality Systems in the areas of work for which the post-holder carries responsibility. Participate in the development of quality systems.
7.2. Occasionally work outside normal working hours and receive time off in lieu.
7.3. When working in other departments, the appointee will liaise with local heads of department, medical consultants, superintendents, nursing sisters or their representatives as appropriate, adhering to local policies and practices. The post-holder will behave courteously and professionally at all times and seek to ensure that the highest level of service is provided by the department.
7.4. There will be opportunity (at regular intervals) for the post holder to spend time on the treatment units in order to maintain radiographic skills. This is to be at the post holders request and will be organised by the Head of Service.
7.5. Perform other appropriate duties which may be required from time to time by the Head of Radiotherapy Physics.
