. Luca F Valle; . Palak Kundu; . Stephanie M Yoon; . J Daniel Pennington; . Minsong Cao; . Percy P Lee; . Amar U Kishan
Volume 11, Issue 5 , June 2021, , Pages 1-4
Abstract
Malignant epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC) represents the most common indicationfor emergent radiotherapy. First‑year residents must quickly gain competence in managingthis ...
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Malignant epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC) represents the most common indicationfor emergent radiotherapy. First‑year residents must quickly gain competence in managingthis condition prior to taking call for the department. We sought to develop a hybriddidactic/simulation exercise to assist first‑year radiation oncology residents in developing askillset relevant to treating a MESCC case in an emergency situation. This was a prospective,qualitative survey study conducted at the University of California, Los Angeles, during theyears 2014–2016. Following an introductory lecture during orientation for academic years2014–2016, residents completed a simulated consultation on a patient with suspected MESCC.Subsequently, they worked with radiation therapists to complete the clinical treatmentprocedure (including field placement and manual calculation of monitor units needed todeliver the prescribed dose) to a phantom placed on a linear accelerator. Residents werethen surveyed about whether the exercise increased confidence in their ability to successfullycomplete a consult, and urgent treatment if needed, for MESCC. All residents agreed orstrongly agreed that this exercise had improved this ability, and all agreed or stronglyagreed that the exercise was valuable and should be retained in the curriculum. Simulatedconsultation and treatment of MESCC provides new residents with increased confidence andknowledge regarding this relatively common indication for emergent radiation.
