WEDNESDAY, 27 DECEMBER, 2023

Photograph attached: Kelsey Normand, Advanced Practitioner in Education and Development using the VERT at the Maggies Centre, Dundee

Virtual radiotherapy system benefiting Tayside cancer patients

A year after a portable virtual radiotherapy system – the first of its kind in the UK – was introduced at Ninewells Hospital, the system is benefiting patients, staff and students at the Tayside Cancer Centre.

The Virtual Environment Radiotherapy Training, or VERT system, simulates the look, sounds and features of a linear accelerator, which is the machine used to deliver radiotherapy. Users can see three-dimensional movements of the virtual machine and patient couch, radiotherapy plans and doses, patient organs, CT and MRI images, and treatments in a safe and controlled learning environment.

Radiotherapy can be difficult for people to imagine or conceptualise and the VERT system helps bring radiotherapy to life for patients. It is being used to support patient educational initiatives including prostate prehabilitation information sessions at Maggie's Dundee.

These sessions allow patients to benefit from a realistic understanding of the radiotherapy treatment room, how the machine works and the preparations patients are asked to make before attending for an appointment. Using the VERT system for these training and education sessions means that the actual linear accelerators can be used to treat patients more of the time.

Head of therapeutic radiography, Damian Parr said, “One year on, there has been a lot of progression with the VERT compact system and it is proving a very valuable addition to the department.

“Being the only compact system in the UK, the team has had the unique opportunity to have this system incorporated into the patient prehabilition service. Working with multi-disciplinary teams in oncology, VERT now supports pre-hab sessions for prostate patients at the Maggies Centre.

“At these sessions, we are able to show patients and families what happens when they are receiving radiotherapy treatment but also share information regarding bladder preparation and why it is so important. It has been well received by patients who really welcome being able to visualise the treatment and increase understanding about what is happening in their care.”

Radiology patient, Brian Henderson attended one of the sessions and said, “When entering the unknown, as you are in any cancer journey, information about what is ahead in the treatment process is a great help. Though understanding comes reassurance and calm, the prehab presentation with the VERT system was instrumental in helping me prepare for the treatment ahead. Understanding what I needed to do in preparation (and why) helped me cope with my journey. If you get the chance to attend one of these presentations, I recommend wholeheartedly that you make every effort to attend.”

The system has also been used to develop student packages for radiotherapy and medical students allowing them to develop their skills away from the clinical pressures and nurture a unique learning environment.

Damian said, “Students have given glowing feedback on how it has helped them and we are currently looking at expanding this in co-design with Higher Education institutes.

“VERT has also played a really important role in integration of new staff members into the department and learning our practices without the pressure of being in a clinical environment. It also plays a vital role in all staff training, especially for new technique development and implementation.

“Our staff have presented the benefits of VERT at conferences and events including the Society of Radiographers members study day in Glasgow. We continue to expand our use of VERT as there is much more we want to do and we will continue to push the boundaries for the benefit of our patients, students and colleagues.”

Contact:

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 740718