Improving radiation oncology providers' workload and performance: Can simulation-based training help?

PURPOSE To help with ongoing safety challenges in radiation therapy (RT), the objective of this research was to develop and assess the impact of a simulation-based training intervention on radiation oncology providers' workload and performance during treatment planning and quality assurance (QA) tasks. METHODS AND MATERIALS Eighteen radiation oncology professionals completed routine treatment planning and QA tasks on 2 clinical scenarios in a simulation laboratory as part of a prospective institutional review board-approved study. Workload was measured at the end of each assessment/scenario using the NASA Task-Load Index. Performance was quantified based on procedural compliance (adherence to preset/standard QA tasks), time-to-scenario completion, and clinically relevant performance. Participants were then randomized to receive (vs not receive) simulation-based training intervention (eg, standardized feedback on workload and performance) and underwent repeat measurements of workload and performance. Pre- and postintervention changes in workload and performance from participants who received (vs did not receive) were compared using 2-way analysis of variance. RESULTS Simulation-based training was associated with significant improvements in procedural compliance (P = .01) and increases in time-to-scenario completion (P < .01) but had no significant impact on subjective workload or clinically relevant performance. CONCLUSION Simulation-based training may be a tool to improve procedural compliance of RT professionals and to acquire new skills and knowledge to proactively maintain RT professionals' preoccupation with patient safety.