Will AI Replace Radiation Therapists?

Position patients for treatment with accuracy, according to prescription.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Administer prescribed doses of radiation to specific body parts, using radiation therapy equipment according to established practices and standards.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Follow principles of radiation protection for patient, self, and others.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Review prescription, diagnosis, patient chart, and identification.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Conduct most treatment sessions independently, in accordance with the long-term treatment plan and under the general direction of the patient's physician.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Enter data into computer and set controls to operate or adjust equipment or regulate dosage.

Routine cognitive or manual task with high vulnerability to automation.

Check radiation therapy equipment to ensure proper operation.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Observe and reassure patients during treatment and report unusual reactions to physician or turn equipment off if unexpected adverse reactions occur.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Educate, prepare, and reassure patients and their families by answering questions, providing physical assistance, and reinforcing physicians' advice regarding treatment reactions or post-treatment care.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Maintain records, reports, or files as required, including such information as radiation dosages, equipment settings, or patients' reactions.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Check for side effects, such as skin irritation, nausea, or hair loss to assess patients' reaction to treatment.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Prepare or construct equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, or protection devices.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Help physicians, radiation oncologists, or clinical physicists to prepare physical or technical aspects of radiation treatment plans, using information about patient condition and anatomy.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Calculate actual treatment dosages delivered during each session.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Photograph treated area of patient and process film.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Act as liaison with physicist and supportive care personnel.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Schedule patients for treatment times.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Provide assistance to other healthcare personnel during dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Train or supervise student or subordinate radiotherapy technologists.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Implement appropriate follow-up care plans.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Store, sterilize, or prepare the special applicators containing the radioactive substance implanted by the physician.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Assist in the preparation of sealed radioactive materials, such as cobalt, radium, cesium, or isotopes, for use in radiation treatments.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.