Background: As advancements in cancer treatment continue to improve survival rates of people with cancer, the focus on comprehensive survivorship care has gained significant importance. Radiation therapy is a pivotal component of cancer treatment, and the role of the radiation therapist (RT) extends beyond the treatment phase. This systematic review aims to elucidate the multifaceted contributions of radiation therapists in providing effective survivorship care to cancer patients.
Methods: Five Electronic databases were searched from inception until 20th April 2023, (CINAHL, MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane). Studies were included if they: described the involvement of RTs as providers of cancer survivorship care for people with cancer or caregivers; described or evaluated the effects of an intervention delivered by a RT; and specifically addressed one of the domains of the Quality Cancer Survivorship Framework. Studies that investigated radiation therapists’ attitudes or beliefs about their role in cancer survivorship care were also included. This review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 Statement.
Results: After screening and removal of duplicates, 31 articles were included. 12 radiation-therapist led interventions were identified in the domains of management of physical effects and management of psychosocial effects, with 7 reported studies related to health promotion and disease prevention. Of the intervention studies 4 examined the RT’s role in follow up care; 4 described the introduction of specialist roles in palliative radiation therapy, supportive care and late effects; 4 investigated supportive care interventions.
Conclusion: Radiation therapists play a role in the provision of survivorship care for cancer survivors. However, there remains a paucity of research reporting this. Barriers to radiation therapists providing this care include lack of training and lack of confidence. The evolving landscape of survivorship care means that alternative models of care are required, and radiation therapists are well placed in the workforce to contribute to the delivery of quality survivorship care.