176 - Using Virtual Environment of Radiotherapy Training (VERT) system to improve technical skill and knowledge in radiotherapy for Radiological Technology Student

• Published in: Journal of medical imaging and radiation sciences Vol. 55; no. 3
• Main Authors: Janthawanno, Ms. Patthra, Saiyo, Mr. Nipon, Assawanuwat, Mr. Kritsrun, Hanlue, Mr. Ratchanon, Chanatinadpong, Ms. Wiraya, Srichaichanah, Ms. Apitchaya, Paduka, Mrs. Sumana
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 01.10.2024
• ISSN: 1939-8654
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jmir.2024.101606

Radiation Therapy is one of the treatment procedures that involves usage of high energy radiation to kill cancer cells. This requires radiation therapists to have expertise, knowledge, and technical skills to operate advanced equipment which are continuously refined through technological advancements to provide improved medical benefits. The Virtual Environment for Radiotherapy Training (VERT) system can offer a realistic simulation of a Linear Accelerator room in a three-dimensional context. Chulabhorn Royal Academy is the first institute in Thailand that install the VERT software and utilized with the 4th year Radiological Technology undergraduate student combined with a lecture classes. The purpose of this study is aimed to assess the improvement of radiation therapy competencies in students who used VERT system. The effectiveness of VERT is evaluated by analyzing from self-evaluation questionnaires to represent the self-confident level and MCQs exam to reflect the knowledge of two groups of Thai Radiological Technology students which are comprising of using VERT and non-using VERT. The results show that the using VERT group demonstrated a significantly improvement in skills and knowledge in radiotherapy studies compared to the non-using VERT group. Moreover, the result shows the exam score of the using VERT group before radiotherapy internship is significantly higher than non-using VERT group in same condition and comparable to the non-using VERT group after passing the internship course. Therefore, it can be concluded that the VERT system is capable in enhancing skills and especially knowledge in radiotherapy education and comparable with radiotherapy internship course. However, VERT system is not the real situation in the hospital and have limited functionality and equipment. But VERT system is such a good education tool to enhance students’ skills and knowledge in radiotherapy courses.