Scenario-Based Simulation Teaching for Radiotherapy Plan Evaluation Using a Typical Defect Case Library: A Prospective, Multi-Center, Randomized Controlled Trial for Radiation Oncology Trainees.

Authors

Ying Cao, Zhen Yang, Xiaoyu Yang

Published in

International journal of radiation oncology, biology, physics. Nov 14, 2026. Epub Nov 14, 2026.

Abstract

The ability to evaluate radiotherapy plans is a core clinical decision-making competency for trainees in radiation oncology (RO). This study aims to evaluate, through a prospective, multicenter randomized controlled trial (RCT), the effectiveness of scenario-based simulation teaching (SBST) using a typical defect case database compared to traditional lecture-based teaching in enhancing the treatment plan evaluation skills of RO trainees, and to analyze the impact of the pedagogical interventions on the trainees' cognitive psychological mechanisms.
Forty RO trainees from three independent medical centers were enrolled and randomized into either the control (CON) or experimental (EXP) group. The CON group received traditional PowerPoint-based lectures focusing on standardized evaluation procedures and positive reference cases. The EXP group utilized the SBST model based on a typical defect case library, engaging in defect identification and feedback training within a high-fidelity plan evaluation environment. Primary endpoints included learning gains. Secondary endpoints encompassed cognitive load (NASA-TLX scale), multi-dimensional self-efficacy, and training satisfaction.
Both groups exhibited significant post-training improvements and the EXP group achieved significantly higher normalized learning gains than the CON group (p < 0.0001), with results demonstrating high consistency across all participating centers. Regarding cognitive load, while no significant differences were observed between the two groups in mental demand or extraneous load (interference burden) during either training or post-test stages, the EXP group experienced a statistically significant reduction in post-test frustration (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the EXP group outperformed the CON group across all dimensions of self-efficacy and training satisfaction.
This prospective multi-center RCT demonstrates that the SBST model, based on a typical defect case library, is superior and highly scalable for enhancing the clinical practice skills of RO trainees. By bolstering core competency and professional confidence, this study provides robust evidence for integrating this model into standardized and homogeneous radiation oncologist training programs.

PMID:
43034024
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 15 Nov 2026.

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