Job Purpose
The Therapeutic Radiographer is responsible for the accurate delivery of radiation therapy to patients with cancer and blood disorders. The role includes positioning patients for treatment, ensuring precise radiation dose delivery, maintaining patient safety, and contributing to optimal patient outcomes through high-quality care and treatment delivery in collaboration with a multidisciplinary oncology team.
Core Responsibilities
Treatment Delivery and Patient Care
- Administer radiation therapy treatments using advanced equipment, such as linear accelerators, in line with oncological protocols.
- Position patients accurately for treatment and ensure the correct use of immobilization devices to achieve optimal treatment outcomes.
- Monitor patients during therapy, managing any concerns or adverse reactions and ensuring their safety and comfort throughout the treatment process.
- Record and document treatment information, ensuring accuracy in treatment parameters and patient details for ongoing monitoring and evaluation.
Quality Assurance and Equipment Maintenance
- Conduct regular quality assurance (QA) checks on radiation therapy equipment, ensuring machines are calibrated, functional, and provide accurate dose delivery.
- Collaborate with medical physicists to verify that treatment plans and radiation doses are delivered accurately and in compliance with safety standards.
- Ensure compliance with radiation safety protocols, managing radiation dose and exposure during treatment and minimizing risks to patients and staff.
Collaboration and Communication
- Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team, including oncologists, medical physicists, and radiation therapists, to discuss patient treatment plans and progress.
- Communicate clearly with patients and their families, explaining treatment procedures, potential side effects, and answering any questions regarding their care and the treatment process.
- Provide emotional support to patients and their families, addressing concerns related to the treatment journey.
Patient Education
- Educate patients about the radiation therapy process, helping them understand what to expect before, during, and after treatment.
- Guide patients in managing potential side effects, explaining self-care techniques, and providing post-treatment instructions to support recovery.
Radiation Safety
- Ensure adherence to radiation protection protocols, including correct shielding, patient positioning, and monitoring radiation exposure to guarantee patient and staff safety.
- Participate in radiation safety training programs and contribute to the development and enforcement of departmental radiation safety policies.