Will AI Replace Radiation Therapists?

Position patients for treatment with accuracy, according to prescription.

physical manipulation — Physically positioning patients for exams

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

physical manipulation — Diagnostic instruments applied to patients by hand

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

physical manipulation — Physically applying safety equipment to people

Review prescription, diagnosis, patient chart, and identification.

data analysis — Patient info verification against records, human confirms

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

physical manipulation — Basic health care treatments are hands-on patient work

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

data analysis — Patient data entry largely automatable with review

Check radiation therapy equipment to ensure proper operation.

visual inspection — Hands-on examination of medical instruments

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

interpersonal — Clinical handoff carries accountability and nuance

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.

interpersonal — Results delivery needs empathy and clinical judgment

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

data analysis — Facility records need human verification and compliance

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

visual inspection — Patient physical assessment is hands-on clinical work

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

physical manipulation — Medical device fabrication is physical manufacturing

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

decision support — Medical plans need exam, liability, and clinical judgment

Calculate actual treatment dosages delivered during each session.

data analysis — Routine medical calculations; human checks inputs

Photograph treated area of patient and process film.

physical manipulation — Processing requires physical handling of imaging media

Act as liaison with physicist and supportive care personnel.

interpersonal — Clinical handoff carries accountability and nuance

Schedule patients for treatment times.

decision support — Clinical scheduling needs human verification of constraints

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

physical manipulation — Hands-on assistance during examinations

Train or supervise student or subordinate radiotherapy technologists.

interpersonal — Provider training is clinical, hands-on, accountable

Implement appropriate follow-up care plans.

interpersonal — Implementing therapy programs is hands-on clinical work

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

physical manipulation — Medication preparation needs precise hands-on work

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

physical manipulation — Medication preparation needs precise hands-on work