A new elearning programme to support education and training of staff in preparation for the opening of the first NHS proton beam therapy (PBT) centres in the UK is now available.

The Proton Beam Therapy programme, eProton, has been designed for all staff groups working in NHS radiotherapy and related services, especially those in referral or support centres. Each elearning session contains interactive content which delivers the educational objectives using a variety of techniques, including animations and video.

Topics covered include the history of proton beam therapy, clinical indications and side effects, physical characteristics and generation of proton beams, treatment planning and delivery, radiation protection, along with the multi-disciplinary patient pathway.

Health Education England elearning for healthcare has worked in partnership with the Royal College of Radiologists, the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine and the College of Radiographers to develop the programme.

Since 2008, NHS patients with selected indications believed most likely to benefit from PBT have received treatment overseas. However, the NHS has commissioned two UK PBT centres, at The Christie in Manchester (opening mid-2018) and at University College Hospital in London (opening 2020). A number of private centres are also planned. As the UK centres open, more patients who are likely to benefit will have access to PBT.

For more information about the elearning programme and for details of how to access the programme visit: https://www.e-lfh.org.uk/programmes/eproton/