Evaluation of a journal club designed to enhance the professional development of radiation therapists

Journal clubs have traditionally been identified in the medical literature as an educational strategy aimed at keeping staff abreast of professional literature and encouraging critical appraisal of this literature. The ultimate goal is to encourage both reflection on clinical practice and an evidence-based approach to professional practice. Based on these goals a journal club was implemented at the Radiation Oncology Network's Westmead Campus designed to create a supportive environment in which to discuss current and authoritative literature. The journal club was implemented mainly for the radiation therapists however all members of the radiation oncology team were invited to attend. The journal club meetings were held monthly and repeated once to accommodate as many staff as possible. The journal club's structure and whether it had achieved its goals was evaluated by the participants nine months after its implementation. This paper outlines the structure of the journal club and discusses the evaluation of the first nine months.