Table 1.
Elements for political advocacy
| Actions and elements needed | What is involved | Challenges |
|---|---|---|
| Consensus from community about potential/future/barriers | Multidisciplinary vision with endorsements | Vested interest in no change |
| Show the need | Data on survival benefit and reduction in toxicity |
Inadequate data Survivorship issues seen as soft endpoints |
| Develop a plan | Defining where we are now and how to get to the future | Align elements of plan with political agenda |
| Sustainability | Road map for sustainability and longevity | Convincing that momentum can be sustained |
| Funding strategy/economic argument | Communicating what savings can be made | Funding models different from other cancer modalities |
| Added value | Making case for health of nation, high-tech training, wealth creation Development of artificial intelligence Introduction of technology |
Marrying with other political agendas |
| Integration with cancer message | Showing how this fits with current integrated cancer strategies | Keeping the radiation therapy voice heard within better-funded cancer disciplines |
| Future proofing and technology introduction | Integration with imaging and prescision and future technology introductions | Having a clear vision for introducing new technology |
| Industry being seen to support and not to lead or gain competitive advantage | Vendor-neutral industry consortium | Collective buy-in from industry within competition and business rules |
Proposing radiation therapy–specific solutions:
|
Innovation in: Digital remote data collection Follow-up and simultaneous data collection for real-world data analysis Turn-key solutions for equipment Remote and cloud-based solutions Artificial intelligence in imaging and adaptive planning |
Communication of complex issues |
| Cost effectiveness | Data | Inadequate comparative data |
| Public support | Media campaigns: traditional and social media | Clear messaging and keeping on the mainstream agenda |