Biography
Anita O'Donovan joined the academic staff as an Assistant Professor in the Discipline of Radiation Therapy in 2011. In terms of academic achievements, she has received a BSc. in Radiation Therapy (First Class Hons), M.A.(j.o) and Special Purpose Certificate in Education, from Trinity College Dublin, and is currently in the final year of her PhD. Prior to joining TCD, she worked as a Radiation Therapist in St. Luke's Radiation Oncology Network Dublin (St Luke's Hospital) and Cork University Hospital in both clinical and research positions.
The overarching theme of her research and PhD subject is Geriatric Oncology, specifically optimal care of the older radiotherapy patient, and preparing the radiation therapy workforce for predicted demographic changes and a rapidly increasing older cancer patient population. Anita has served as a member of Board and Executive Committee of the International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG) since 2014, the first radiation therapist to be represented in this organisation. She is also a member of the SIOG Science and Education committee and editorial board member for the Journal of Geriatric Oncology, and member of faculty of the SIOG Advanced Course in Geriatric Oncology and Irish Geriatric Oncology group.
Anita has a particularly keen interest in older patient advocacy and incorporating alternative teaching methods into the classroom. This commitment was recognised when she was awarded a Trinity College Provost Teaching Award in June 2017.
Publications and Further Research Outputs
Peer-Reviewed Publications
Mellett C., O'Donovan A., Hayes C., The development of outcome key performance indicators for systemic anti-cancer therapy using a modified Delphi method, European Journal of Cancer Care, 2020
Battisti, Nicolò Matteo Luca, Mislang, Anna Rachelle, Cooper, Lisa, O'Donovan, Anita, Audisio, Riccardo A., Cheung, Kwok-Leung, Sarrió, Regina Gironés, Stauder, Reinhard, Soto-Perez-de-Celis, Enrique, Jaklitsch, Michael, Williams, Grant R., O'Hanlon, Shane, Alam, Mahmood, Cairo, Clarito, Colloca, Giuseppe, Gil, Luiz Antonio, Sattar, Schroder, Kantilal, Kumud, Russo, Chiara, Lichtman, Stuart M., Brain, Etienne, Kanesvaran, Ravindran, Wildiers, Hans, Adapting care for older cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: Recommendations from the International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG) COVID-19 Working Group, Journal of Geriatric Oncology, 2020
O'Donovan A., Morris L., Palliative Radiation Therapy in Older Adults With Cancer: Age-Related Considerations, Clinical Oncology, 2020
Anthea Cree, Anita O'Donovan, Shane O'Hanlon, Geriatric Oncology: Assessing the Needs of Older People with Cancer, British Journal of Hospital Medicine, 80, (5), 2019, p252 - 257
Principios de la radioterapia en adultos mayores in, editor(s)Maria Jose Molina Garrido Ludovico Balducci , Fundamentos en Oncogeriatria, Spain, Mederic Ediciones, S.L., 2019, pp619 - 720, [Anita O'Donovan et al]
Orlaith Lynch, Anita O'Donovan, Patrick Murphy, Addressing treatment-related sexual side effects among cancer patients: Sub-optimal practice in radiation therapy, European Journal of Cancer Care, 2019
Flood J, O'Hanlon S, Gibb M, O'Donovan A., Caring for patients with dementia undergoing radiation therapy-A national audit., Journal of geriatric oncology, 10, (5), 2019, p811-818
Anita O'Donovan, Palliative Radiotherapy In Older And Frail Patients With Elements Of Geriatric Assessment, The Royal College of Radiologists Palliative Radiotherapy Study Day, March 13th , 2019
J. Flood and A. O'Donovan, Caring for patients with dementia undergoing radiation therapy in Irish Radiation Therapy departments - a national audit, 18th Conference of the International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG) , Amsterdam, Netherlands, November 16-18, 2018
Journal of Geriatric Oncology, Elsevier, [eds.], 2018
Paillaud E., Soubeyran P., Caillet P., Cudennec T., Brain E., Terret C., Etchepare F., Mourey L., Aparicio T., Pamoukdjian F., Audisio R.A., Rostoft S., Hurria A., Bellera C., Mathoulin-Pelissier S., Boulahssass R., De Decker L., Fossey-Diaz V., Liuu E., Mertens C., Balardy L., Retornaz F., Couderc A.L., Rollot-Trad F., Azria D., Bacciarello G., Barranger E., Bengrine L., Bernat-Piazza L., Blay J.Y., Bourdolle E., Carola E., Chinot O., Classe J.M., Corre R., Culine S., Cure H., Delaloge S S., Delattre J.Y., Desolneux G., Freyer G., Graff P., Guigay J., Herlin C., Hoang-Xuan K., Italiano A., Kurtz J.E., Lartigau E., Lazarovicci-Nagera C., Lebas I., Le Caer H., Maguire C., Mir O., Natur S., Ortholan C., Pigneux A., Prou M., Qabbal R., Rousseau F., Rouzier R., Roveri A., Sargos P., Servagi S., Servent V., Ysebaert L., Alibhai S., Audisio R.A., Balducci L., Bastiaannet E., Bron D., Cheng K., Cohen H.J., Cornelis F., De Glas N., Kalsi T., Kanesvaran R., Kenis C., Hamaker M., Holmes H., Hsu T., Lichtman S., Mohile S., O'Donovan A., Puts M., Repetto L., Singhal N., Steer C., Stolz Baskett P., Van De Water W., Van Leuven B., Wedding U., Wildes T., Wildiers H., Zulian G., Multidisciplinary development of the Geriatric Core Dataset for clinical research in older patients with cancer: A French initiative with international survey, European Journal of Cancer, 103, 2018, p61 - 68, p61-68
J. Flood and A. O'Donovan, Caring for patients with dementia undergoing radiation therapy in Irish Radiation Therapy departments - a national audit, Irish Institute of Radiography and Radiation Therapy Annual Conference, Galway, Ireland, 10th November , 2018
A. O'Donovan, Age Attuned Radiotherapy, European SocieTy for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO) 37, Barcelona, Spain, 20th-24th April , 2018
Shóna Whelehan, Orlaith Lynch, Niall Treacy, Ciara Gleeson, Andrea Oates, Anita O'Donovan, Optimising Clinical Trial Design in Older Cancer Patients, Geriatrics, 3, (3), 2018, p34-
Horgan, S. and O'Donovan, A., The Impact of Exercise during Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer on Fatigue and Quality of Life: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis, Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, 49, (2), 2018, p207 - 219
Frewen H, Brown E, Jenkins M, O'Donovan A., Failure mode and effects analysis in a paperless radiotherapy department., Journal of medical imaging and radiation oncology, 62, (5), 2018, p707 - 715
Soto-Perez-de-Celis E, de Glas NA, Hsu T, Kanesvaran R, Steer C, Navarrete-Reyes AP, Battisti NM, Chavarri-Guerra Y, O'Donovan A, Avila-Funes JA, Hurria A., Global geriatric oncology: Achievements and challenges, Journal of Geriatric Oncology, 8, (5), 2017, p374 - 386
Anita O'Donovan, Integrating Geriatric Medicine Principles into Oncology, Royal College of Radiologists Annual Scientific Meeting, RCSI, Dublin, Ireland, 29th September, 2017
Wildes, T.M., O'Donovan, A. Colloca, G.F. and Cheung, K.L., Tumour boards in geriatric oncology, Age and Ageing, 47, (2), 2017, p168 - 170
A. O'Donovan, Radiotherapy in Older Patients, Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI) Geriatric Medicine Training , Dublin, Ireland, November 18th , 2017
Andrea Lipsett, Sarah Barrett, Fatimah Haruna, Karen Mustian and Anita O'Donovan, The impact of exercise during adjuvant radiotherapy for breast cancer on fatigue and quality of life: a systematic review and meta-analysis, The Breast, 32, 2017, p144 - 155
O'Donovan, A., Leech, M. and Gillham, C., Assessment and Management of Radiotherapy Induced Toxicity in Older Patients , Journal of Geriatric Oncology, 8, (6), 2017, p421 - 427
O'Donovan, A., Integrating Geriatric Medicine Principles into Oncology, Grand Rounds, Christie Hospital, Manchester, UK, March 17th , 2017
Anita O'Donovan, Oncology of Later Life: New Horizons for the Radiation Therapist, Irish Institute of Radiography and Radiation Therapy Annual Conference, Cork, Ireland, 7th October , 2017
O'Donovan, A., MANAGING THE ELDERLY IN RADIOTHERAPY USING GERIATRIC ASSESSMENT: 'MERGE', European Oncology Nursing Society (EONS) Spring/Summer Magazine, 2017
Leonard, S. and O'Donovan, A., Measuring Safety Culture: Application of The Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture to Radiotherapy Departments Worldwide, Practical Radiation Oncology, 8, (1), 2017, pe17 - e26
A. O'Donovan, The Impact of Radiation Toxicity on Quality of Life of Older Patients, 16th Conference of the International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG) , Milan, Italy, November 17-19, 2016, SIOG
Anita O'Donovan, Charles Gillham, Conal Cunningham, Pierre Thirion, Moya Cunningham, Nazmy ElBeltagi, Michelle Leech, Application of ADEPT(a process for decision-making after pilot and feasibility trials) to a pilot geriatric oncology programme in radiation therapy, 16th Conference of the International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG) , Milan, Italy, November 17-19, 2016
Lipsett, A., Barrett, S. and O'Donovan, A., Impact of Exercise During Adjuvant Radiotherapy on Fatigue and Quality of Life for Breast Cancer Patients: A Meta-Analysis, Annual Scientific Meeting, Faculty of Radiology, Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin , September 23rd/24th, 2016
O'Donovan, A. and Poole, C., Fink About It: Development and Evaluation of a Communications Curriculum for Healthcare Professionals,, MedEdPublish, 5, (1), 2016, p16-
Andrea Lipsett, Sarah Barrett and Anita O'Donovan, Impact of Exercise During Adjuvant Radiotherapy on Fatigue and Quality of Life for Breast Cancer Patients: A Meta-Analysis, Irish Institute of Radiography and Radiation Therapy Annual Conference, Dublin , 8th October, 2016
Ryan, E., O'Donovan, A. and Kenny, R.A., The Behavioural And Emotional Outcomes Of Ageing Cancer Survivors In Ireland. Results From The Irish Longitudinal Study On Ageing., Annual Scientific Meeting, Faculty of Radiology, Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin, September 23rd/24th, 2016
Hogan, L and O'Donovan, A., Older people's experience of radiotherapy services, Advances in Modern Oncology Research, 2, (2), 2016, p105 - 115
Ryan, E., O'Donovan, A. and Kenny, R.A.., The Behavioural And Emotional Outcomes Of Ageing Cancer Survivors In Ireland. Results From The Irish Longitudinal Study On Ageing., Irish Institute of Radiography and Radiation Therapy Annual Conference, Dublin , Dublin , 8th October, 2016
Ryan, E., O'Donovan, A. and Kenny, R.A., , The Behavioural And Emotional Outcomes Of Ageing Cancer Survivors In Ireland. Results From The Irish Longitudinal Study On Ageing, 16th Conference of the International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG), Milan, Italy, November 17-19, 2016
Turner, C., Boyle, G, Robinson, D., Soraghan, C and O'Donovan, A. , ONCOLAMP: A Study of the Accessibility of Community Based Services Relevant To Patients with Cancer and their Relationship to Social Deprivation and Cancer Incidence. , Annual Scientific Meeting, Faculty of Radiology, Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin , September 23rd/24th, 2016
Irish Geriatric Oncology Group, Irish Geriatric Oncology Inaugural Meeting, March 28th, In:Irish Geriatric Oncology Meeting 2015, 2015, Dublin, Ireland
O'Donovan, A., Geriatric Assessment for Cancer Patients, National Society for Medical Oncology in Romania (SNOMR) and Institute of Oncology Bucharest "Research in Medical Oncology and Palliative Care", Bucharest, Romania, 17th & 18th April , 2015, ESMO and MASCC
O'Donovan, A., Guidelines for the Treatment of Older Cancer Patients: Task Forces of the International Society of Geriatric Oncology, ASCO Post, 6, (9), 2015
O'Donovan, A., O'Herlihy, A. and Cunningham, M., Knowledge and Attitudes of Radiation Therapists and Radiation Therapy Students Towards Older People, Radiography, 21, (3), 2015, pe96 - e102
Lalor, S.J.. and O'Donovan, A., Impact of Age on Participation in Randomised Trials for Lung Cancer Patients , 15th Conference of the International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG) , Prague, 12th-14th November , 2015
Mohile, S.G., Verlardea, C., Hurria, A., Magnuson, A., Lowenstein, L., Pandya, C., O'Donovan, A., Gorawara-Bhat, R. and Dale, W., Geriatric Assessment-Guided Care Processes for Older Adults: A Delphi Consensus of Geriatric Oncology Experts, Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (JNCCN), 13, (9), 2015
O'Donovan, A., Gillham, C., Cunningham, C., Thirion, P., Cunningham, M., El Beltagi, N. and Leech, M., Managing the Elderly in Radiotherapy using Geriatric assessmEnt (MERGE): A Pilot Geriatric Oncology Study, SPHeRE (Structured Population and Health-services Research Education)Network 1st Annual Conference, Dublin, Ireland, Friday 9th January , 2015
O'Donovan, A., Mohile, S. and Leech, M., Expert Consensus Panel Guidelines on Geriatric Assessment in Oncology, European Journal of Cancer Care, 24, (4), 2015, p574 - 589
O'Donovan, A., Coleman, M., Harris, R and Herst, P., Prophylaxis and Management of Acute Radiation-induced Skin Toxicity: A Survey of Practice Across Europe and the USA, European Journal of Cancer Care, 2014
O'Donovan, A. , Gillham, C., Cunningham, C. , Thirion, P. , Cunningham, M. , El Beltagi, N. and Leech, M., Managing the Elderly in Radiotherapy using Geriatric assessmEnt (MERGE): A Pilot Geriatric Oncology Study, Trinity College Dublin's 9th International Cancer Conference, Dublin, 17th-18th September , 2014
O'Donovan, A. , Gillham, C., Cunningham, C. , Thirion, P. , Cunningham, M. , El Beltagi, N. and Leech, M., Managing the Elderly in Radiotherapy using Geriatric assessmEnt (MERGE): A Pilot Geriatric Oncology Study,, International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG) 14th Annual Conference, Lisbon, Portugal, 23-25 October, 2014
O'Connell, C., Cunningham, M and O'Donovan, A., Erectile Dysfunction in Prostate Cancer Patients; Knowledge Levels and Attitudes towards Information Provision by Healthcare Professionals, ESTRO 33, Vienna, Austria, April 3rd-8th , 2014
Frain, F. and O'Donovan, A., Coverage of Cancer in the Irish Print Media, Health and Social Care Professions Conference, Dublin, Ireland, February , 2014
O'Donovan, A. , A Blended Learning Approach to an Undergraduate Evidence-based Practice Project, Irish Network of Medical Educators (INMED) , Belfast, Ireland, February 21st , 2014
Conaty,R., Ryan, L., Harper, D. , and O'Donovan, A., Failure Mode and Effects Analysis for Delivery Of Lung SBRT Through VMAT at St James's Hospital (SLRON), Annual Scientific Meeting, Faculty of Radiology, Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin , September 26th/27th, 2014
O'Donovan, A., Geriatric Oncology Update, 14th Annual All Ireland Radiation Therapy Study Day, Trinity College Dublin, March 1st , 2014, Discipline of Radiation Therapy, Trinity College Dublin
O'Donovan, A., Mohile, S. and Leech, M., Expert Consensus Panel on Geriatric Assessment Interventions in Oncology: the European Perspective, International Society of Geriatric Oncology annual conference, Copenhagen, Denmark, October , 2013
McCarthy, J. and O'Donovan, A, Stereotactic radiosurgery and stereotactic radiation therapy in the management of brain metastases, Annual Scientific Meeting, Faculty of Radiology, Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin, Ireland, September , 2013
Gwiazda, S., Wiebe, M., Robinson, D., O'Donovan, A, Knowledge and Attitudes of Trinity College Dublin Medical Students Towards Older People., International Society of Geriatric Oncology annual conference , Copenhagen, Denmark, October , 2013
O'Donovan, A., Mohile, S. and Leech, M., Expert Consensus Panel on Geriatric Assessment Interventions in Oncology: the European Perspective, Annual Scientific Meeting, Faculty of Radiology, Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin, Ireland, September , 2013
Joyce, M.B. and O'Donovan, A., Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes of NCHDs Towards Cognitive Assessment of Older Oncology Patients,, 61st Annual and Scientific Meeting of the Irish Gerontological Society, Dublin, Ireland, September , 2013
Mohile, S.Hurria, A. Velarde, C. Magnuson, A. O'Donovan, A. Dale, W, An Expert Consensus Panel on Geriatric Assessment Interventions in Oncology: the US Perspective, International Society of Geriatric Oncology annual conference, Copenhagen, Denmark, October , 2013
Coleman, M. and O'Donovan, A., A Survey of Radiotherapy Skin Care Practice Across Europe and the USA, 2nd European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO) Forum, , Geneva, Switzerland, April , 2013
O'Donovan A., O'Shea E., O'Loughlin M., Hogan M., Mullaney L., Dempsey S., Moriarty M., McKenzie K., , The Impact of an Educational Support Group for Prostate Cancer Patients., ESTRO 25, Leipzig, Germany, September , 2006
O'Donovan A., O'Shea E., O'Loughlin M., Hogan M., Mullaney L., Dempsey S., Moriarty M., McKenzie K., A randomised trial of the impact of an educational support group for prostate cancer patients, 8th Biennial ESTRO meeting on physics and Radiation Technology for Clinical Radiotherapy, Portugal, September , 2005
Non-Peer-Reviewed Publications
Anita O'Donovan, Radiation Therapy in Older Adults with Cancer , Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI) Masterclass Series, Dublin, Ireland, March 6th , 2019
A Blended Learning Approach to an Undergraduate Evidence-based Practice Module for Healthcare Students in, editor(s)Brown, S. , Learning, teaching and assessment in higher education: global perspectives, Macmillan International Higher Education, , 2014, [O'Donovan, A. and Leech, M.]
O'Donovan, A. and Harper, D., 'Brachytherapy: Best Practice Guidelines', 2011, -
O'Donovan, A., Radiotherapy in Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia, Radiography Ireland , 14, (1), 2010, p20 - 23
O'Donovan A., O'Shea E., O'Loughlin M., Hogan M., Mullaney L., Dempsey S., Moriarty M., McKenzie K., , The Impact of an Educational Support Group for Prostate Cancer Patients, Radiography Ireland, 14, (1), 2010, p24 - 27
Research Expertise
Description
Geriatric Oncology;older cancer patient's experience and quality of life;survivorship careProjects
- Title
- Care of the Older Radiotherapy Patient
- Summary
- Background and Purpose: Eleven per cent of Ireland's population is currently over the age of 65; this is projected to double to 1.4 million by 2040. Approximately 60% of all Irish cancer cases occur in the over 65 age group. According to Irish Cancer Society and National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) predictions, new cancer cases in Ireland could potentially double by 2040. Despite the body of evidence demonstrating the benefits of geriatric assessment, its adoption in oncology has not been widespread. Traditionally a multidisciplinary approach is required in Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) in order to identify problems and develop a care plan appropriate to individual patients. However, it is well recognised that CGA is time consuming and expensive. How geriatric assessment can best be integrated into Oncology remains to be clarified. My research is focussed on integration of geriatric medicine principles in radiation therapy. Outcomes: To evaluate the impact of geriatric assessment on specified treatment oncological outcomes, such as the ability to impact treatment decisions, treatment tolerance and quality of life. Impact: Population ageing will have a profound effect on the healthcare system in Ireland in the coming years. This will be especially evident in Ireland, where there will be a predicted doubling in the proportion of the population over the age of 65. There is now an impetus in all aspects of elderly care, to put the necessary infrastructure in place to promote successful ageing. The provision of state-of-the-art oncology services is one such area.
- Date From
- July 2012
- Date To
- present
Recognition
Representations
Member of Board and Executive Committee, International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG)
Member of Faculty SIOG Advanced Course in Geriatric Oncology
Member of faculty ESTRO Course Non-melanoma Skin Cancer
Chair of the Membership and National Representatives Committee, International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG)
National Representative, International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG)
National Radiation Therapy reviewer on the Radiography Qualifications Review Board
Member of teaching faculty on the ESTRO Teaching course on Basic Treatment Planning.
Awards and Honours
Saint Luke's Prize
TCD Provost Teaching Award
Memberships
ESTRO member
Registered member of CORU
IIRRT member
Member of the International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG)
Member of ICORG