Involving patients and carers in developing the radiotherapy curriculum: enhancing compassion

What is it about?

This article describes a collaborative project that aimed to develop a patient-centred curriculum in radiotherapy. Collaboration between university staff and patients and carers using the service improvement model Plan-Do-Study-Act was the method employed for the curriculum project. Two key discussion forums helped shape the curriculum plan, with module and course evaluation continuing to inform developments.The key outcome of the project is that it has shaped the 'care' theme evident in the current undergraduate programme. Co-production methods resulted in the development of a range of shared classroom activities that focus on experiences, care values and communication strategies. The new curriculum has evaluated positively and the impact of learning is demonstrated both in the classroom and clinical setting. The project team have also influenced recruitment processes and patient and carer involvement in programme approval is embedded.

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Why is it important?

Working together, with patients and carers is an ideal method to enhance the curriculum and reflect the requirements in practice of current health and social care professions.