Developing and implementing a radiotherapy research activity assessment tool

Goldsworthy, Simon; Roe, Benjamin; McGrail, Stuart; Latour, Jos M; Morgan, Karen

Abstract

Purpose/Objective: Cancer research in the National Health Service (NHS) has increased by 10.5% in three years since the formation of the National Cancer Research (NCRN) networks in 2000. Additionally there is a positive cultural change driving research locally at NHS institutions. Clinical studies afflict changes to practice, impacting clinical service. The initial enthusiasm from clinical staffs to embark on a project
has to be balanced against the implications of resources, costs and other developments. There is no standardised method to assess the impact of research projects on clinical practice. Therefore, the aim of this project was to develop and implement a Radiotherapy Research Activity Assessment Tool (RAAT) to assess the feasibility of newly proposed research projects within clinical settings.

Materials and Methods: A multi-step development method was used. The steps involved the principals of Quality Function Deployment (QFD). The consecutive steps involved developing a user friendly and replicable tool and would fit on one A4 page. The process involved multi-professionals and patients throughout the design process. The tool was preliminary tested on usability among 8 stakeholders on a 10- point scale (1=poor; 10=very good). Agreement was correlated to the initial probability scoring of the 8 stakeholders.

Results: The RAAT was developed in an e-form available in Microsoft Excel. The tool included details such as project title, date ranges and approval tab. It also needed to include meeting columns of where the project should be presented, along with details such as scope, and benefits to the clinical setting. A probability rating was included giving an indication of project success or failure. Finally a column to project the
recruitment level of trials and comment boxes for additional information were added.
The tool scored an average of 7/10 for usability and so alterations were made. Agreement between stakeholders resulted in a significant correlation of p=0.01 (Pearson =
899).

Conclusions: In conclusion the RAAT seems to be feasible in clinical practice, and provide a framework to guide the decision making process of accepting a research project. The tool calls for further testing of usability and long term implications on all stakeholders.

Citation

Goldsworthy, S., Roe, B., McGrail, S., Latour, J. M., & Morgan, K. (2015). Developing and implementing a radiotherapy research activity assessment tool. Radiotherapy and Oncology, 115(419), S397-S398

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Apr 1, 2015
• Publication Date: Apr 30, 2015
• Journal: Radiotherapy and Oncology
• Print ISSN: 0167-8140
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 115
• Issue: 419
• Pages: S397-S398
• Keywords: radiotherapy research activity assessment tool
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/835478
• Publisher URL: http://www.thegreenjournal.com/article/S0167-8140(15)40785-6/pdf