brig
TRANSCRIPT
Breast radiotherapy Interest group (BRIG)
Dr Heidi Probst Sheffield Hallam University
Why was BRIG set up?
• Breast cancer accounts for a substantial proportion of the radiotherapy workload and many radiation therapists are developing specialist expertise in this field.
• Radiotherapy technique for breast cancer varies considerably across UK centres. In a survey of radiotherapy departments in 1997 disparities in the technical application of treatment was identified. An example of variations in practice included the skin marking method employed and differences were apparent in the protocols for lung tissue allowed within the treatment portals.
• There is evidence to suggest this wide variation in practice may still exist across centres.
• The development of a Breast Radiotherapy Interest Group (BRIG) that has members from across the globe has the potential to allow the sharing of good practice, cross fertilisation of ideas, development of innovative approaches to current challenges in the delivery of radiotherapy for breast cancer patients and to drive forward co-ordinated research.
• BRIG is for qualified Radiation Therapists/ Therapeutic Radiographers with an interest in breast cancer treatment.
Why was BRIG set up? And Who is it for?
1. Sharing of good practice- improve service delivery2. Opportunities for learning3. Opportunity to develop and extend skill base4. Links, partnerships/collaborations5. Collaborative research
What are the benefits of joining?
Currently BRIG has over 80 members and these are from:• UK• Australia• Canada• New Zealand• Dubai
What is the current member base?
• Primarily through e-mail circulations • A Google Discussion Group
How do we communicate?
• Our current work plan is to:
1. Update our database of techniques used across centres and across Countries to provide a resource for members.
2. Develop learning resources for the BRIG community.3. To engage with other breast cancer organisations to
facilitate sharing of knowledge and expertise in breast irradiation practice.
4. To take forward co-ordinated research activity to enhance the service for patients undergoing breast irradiation following a diagnoses of breast cancer.
What is our current work plan?
Want to join?
Please contact either
Heidi Probst [email protected]
Kim Whitlock [email protected]
Michele Cardoso [email protected]