Gay Dungey

University of Otago · Department of Radiation Therapy

Introduction: This research assessed the preparedness of new graduate radiation therapists (NGRTs) for the clinical practice of planning. Methods: A senior planner from each department and NGRTs who completed their degree in 2020 were surveyed after approximately 6 months of practice. Both were asked about NGRTs preparedness for practice and for...

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXTGlobally, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has highlighted the need for better interprofessional collaboration and teamwork. When disciplines have worked together to undertake testing, deliver care and administer vaccines, progress against COVID-19 has been made. Yet, teamwork has often not happened, wasting pr...

Introduction Research indicates radiation therapy students are at risk of burnout. Peer Group Supervision (PGS) is a tool used to help reduce stress, increase reflective practice and help manage professional issues. This pilot study aimed to investigate the third-year New Zealand radiation therapy students' perceptions of participating in PGS. Met...

Introduction This study investigated the learning styles and personality preferences of undergraduate Bachelor of Radiation Therapy (BRT) students at the University of Otago, Wellington in New Zealand from 2014 to 2018. The implications of these findings for radiation therapy education and the profession were also explored. Methods All students en...

Introduction Research indicates that radiation therapists (RTs) are at risk of burnout and that there is a lack of evidence on effective coping strategies for managing work‐related stressors within this workforce. Peer group supervision (PGS) is a useful tool in assisting staff to manage stress in the clinical setting, improve reflective practice a...

Background: This pilot study aimed to gain the perceptions of first-year students using a wiki as a learning tool for the Bachelor of Radiation Therapy degree in New Zealand. Literature suggests that wikis have great potential as an educational tool for both lecturers and students, because they encourage collaborative learning and resource sharing...

This study investigated the learning styles and personality type of undergraduate radiation therapy students at the University of Otago, Wellington (UOW) in New Zealand (NZ) to ascertain whether there is a pattern evidenced for this group and how that might compare with NZ medical imaging students. All students enrolled in the first year of the Bac...

Introduction: Communication skills training has been progressively integrated into the Bachelor of Radiation Therapy programme in New Zealand throughout the last 3 years. This innovative study aimed to explore students' perceptions of their learning from participation in communication skills workshops. The purpose was to expose students to a varie...

This research aimed to determine the levels of occupational stress, burnout and job satisfaction among radiation oncology workers across New Zealand. All oncology staff practising in all eight radiation oncology departments in New Zealand were invited to participate anonymously in a questionnaire, which consisted of the Maslach Burnout Inventory an...

This pilot study highlights work-associated challenges faced by a number of radiation therapists in one radiation therapy department in New Zealand. Grounded theory research methods were used to collect and analyse data from 11 semi-structured interviews. The interview schedule was designed to indentify the main perceived challenges associated with...

Abstract Purpose : This study investigates the frequency and nature of death‐related events and their effect on attitude to life, relationships with other people, and career choices of 70 undergraduate radiation therapy students and 160 education students. Methods : Utilising a purposeful sampling method, a six‐page self‐administered questionnaire...

Introduction Th eorists have suggested that career decisions are made based on knowing one's strengths and weaknesses which is a skill that accumulates through a variety of life experiences. 1,2 Teachers, for example, choose education as a career for mainly altruistic reasons, such as, they like working with children and youth, helping others to le...

Purpose: In 2004, a study was undertaken to determine whether treating cancer patients affected the identity development of radiation therapy students in New Zealand. Initial data analysis revealed many students had experienced significant cancer‐death events, such as family members or friends dying prior to entering the course. Methods: A further...

The aim of this research was to determine what effect treating cancer patients has on the ability of radiation therapy students to develop their own identity. It is important that radiation therapists have a sense of self so they can enter fully into relationships with patients and other health professionals, and develop sound coping mechanisms to...