3491 - Piloting the Role of an Advanced Practice Radiation Therapist to Relieve Stress on Radiation Oncologists, Increase Productivity, and Improve Care for Patients Needing Urgent Palliative Radiation
Presenter(s)
K. V. Dharmarajan1, D. McDonagh2, S. Skubish2, and C. Starrs3; 1Department of Radiation Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 2Mount Sinai Health System, New York, NY, 3Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Department of Radiation Oncology, New York, NY
Purpose/Objective(s): This single-arm pilot study evaluates the impact of integrating an Advanced Practice Radiation Therapist (APRT) into an inpatient palliative radiation therapy (PRT) team. The hypothesis posits that APRT integration reduces clinician burnout, improves workflow efficiency, and enhances patient care by assuming time-intensive PRT-related tasks. This study examines APRT involvement in streamlining processes, enabling clinicians to focus on critical aspects of patient care and optimizing team efficiency.
Materials/Methods: An 18-month study was conducted at one institution, with surveys administered post-APRT implementation at 6, 12, and 18 months to assess clinician well-being and workflow efficiency. The Mini Z instrument measured burnout using a 10-item, 5-point Likert scale, generating total and subscale scores. Thematic analysis was performed on qualitative data from 68 participants across four quarters, representing 24 unique individuals. Quantitative data were analyzed using independent t-tests, ANOVA for continuous variables, and logistic regression for categorical outcomes to assess trends. Quality improvement/assurance (QI/QA) metrics, including patient throughput and unfinished treatments, were tracked.
Results: At post-APRT implementation 0–6 months, mean scores were Joyful Workplace: 34.3, Supportive Work Environment: 18.9, and Stress Management: 15.4. By 6 months, scores increased to 37.2, 20.2, and 17.0, respectively. At 12 months, Joyful Workplace remained stable at 37.3, while Supportive Work Environment increased to 20.8, and Stress Management slightly declined to 16.5. By 18 months, all scores peaked 38.8, 21.8, and 17.0. These trends suggest improvements in workplace positivity, support, and stress management. Qualitative data indicated a consistently positive impact of APRT integration on workflow and care coordination, with positive feedback exceeding 100% in Quarters 3 and 4, reflecting multiple affirmations per participant. Reports of work interruptions decreased from 41.7% in Quarter 1 to 0% in Quarters 3 and 4
Conclusion: Preliminary findings suggest APRT integration enhances inpatient care coordination, reduces clinician stress, and improves workflow efficiency. Future analyses will further evaluate the APRT's impact on clinician well-being and productivity, supporting broader adoption of this role in inpatient PRT settings.