Threshold Concepts in Radiation Physics Underpinning Professional Practice in Radiation Therapy

Authors

  • Lizel Hudson Cape Peninsula University of Technology
  • Penelope Engel-Hills Cape Peninsula University of Technology
  • Christine Winberg Cape Peninsula University of Technology http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6234-7358

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18552/ijpblhsc.v6i1.421

Keywords:

curriculum inquiry, radiation physics, radiation therapy, threshold concepts, transactional

Abstract

This article identifies potential threshold concepts in radiation physics, and explains their relationship to professional practice in radiation therapy (that is,. the practice of radiation treatment and care of cancer patients). Concepts such as how the radiation beam spreads out (beam divergence), and how the distance from the ionising source affects the beam (inverse-square law), can be challenging for students entering higher education and experiencing their first clinical placements. Through observations of radiation therapy students in practice, mastery of these (and other concepts) appears essential for them to progress in their professional practice learning. The study used ‘transactional curriculum inquiry’ (Cousin 2009) in order to understand why particular concepts might be troublesome to students, and how mastery of these concepts could potentially lead to safe and accurate practice. While the study was conducted in a particular Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy programme, it has implications for how academic and clinical educators in other contexts might facilitate students’ acquisition of the threshold concepts that underpin professional practice. The findings suggest that the typical progression in professional education that assumes the application of theoretical concepts to practice, might not be the best way to acquire the threshold concepts that lead to transformed practice.

Author Biographies

Lizel Hudson, Cape Peninsula University of Technology

Radiation Therapy lecturer, Department of Medical Imaging and Therapeutic Sciences, Robert Sobukwe Road, Bellville,

7535, South Africa

Penelope Engel-Hills, Cape Peninsula University of Technology

Associate Professor

Acting Dean, Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences

Christine Winberg, Cape Peninsula University of Technology

Professor

South African Research Chair (Work&Learning)

Department of Education

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Published

2018-07-31

How to Cite

Hudson, L., Engel-Hills, P., & Winberg, C. (2018). Threshold Concepts in Radiation Physics Underpinning Professional Practice in Radiation Therapy. International Journal of Practice-Based Learning in Health and Social Care, 6(1), 53–63. https://doi.org/10.18552/ijpblhsc.v6i1.421