Ms. Claire Poole

Ms. Claire Poole

Assistant Professor, Radiation Therapy

3531896 2973

Biography

Dr Claire Poole is Assistant Professor in the Discipline of Radiation Therapy at Trinity College Dublin and Director of Clinical Education. She combines extensive clinical experience as a Radiation Therapist, gained in London, Australia and Cork University Hospital, with a commitment to advancing radiation therapy through education, research and patient-centred practice.

Since joining the Discipline of Radiation Therapy in 2007, Claire has played a leading role in the development and evaluation of clinical education. Appointed Director of Clinical Education in 2023, she leads the design and delivery of innovative clinical learning experiences that prepare competent, compassionate radiation therapists. She collaborates with national and international partners to advance clinical education, support the professional development of clinical educators and assessors, and promote evidence-informed educational practice. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma and a Research Master's in Clinical Education, and her work has been supported through several competitive national and international education grants, including the ESTRO School Pedagogic Programme AMEE Grant awarded in 2017.

Claire's research focuses on improving equitable access to and utilisation of radiation therapy through patient-centred health services research. Her work examines the systemic, professional and patient-level factors that influence access to radiotherapy and translates patient-informed evidence into improvements in clinical practice, healthcare education, service delivery and policy. Integrating implementation science, co-production and meaningful patient partnership, her research aims to ensure that patient perspectives drive more equitable, accessible and responsive cancer care.

To support this vision, Claire founded the Applied Radiation Therapy " Patient and Public Involvement (ARTT_PPI) group, which has since evolved into Patients and Clinicians Together in Radiation Oncology (PACT), Ireland's national patient partnership group for radiation oncology. Through PACT, she aims to embed patient partnership across radiation oncology research, education and service improvement, ensuring that lived experience informs evidence generation, healthcare education and policy to improve equitable access to high-quality radiotherapy.

An active researcher, Claire has published widely in peer-reviewed journals and presented her work at national and international conferences. She serves as a reviewer for leading oncology journals and is committed to translating research into meaningful improvements in radiation therapy practice, education and policy.

Publications and Further Research Outputs

  • O'Donovan, A. and Poole, C., Fink About It: Development and Evaluation of a Communications Curriculum for Healthcare Professionals,, MedEdPublish, 5, (1), 2016, p16-Journal Article, 2016, URL
  • Poole C. and Boland J., What influences assessors' internalised standards?, Radiography, 22, 2016, pe99 - e105Journal Article, 2016, URL
  • Conneely F.,Ackermann P.,Bowles M.,Dunphy E.,Flattery V., Murphy C., Nolan P., Poole C., Swanton S and J.Reed, 'Health and Social Care Professions Education and Development Strategy', National Health and Social Care Professions Office, 2017, 1 - 24Protocol or guideline, 2017
  • Conneely F.,Ackermann P.,Benton E., Fitzpatrick S., Regan I., Poole C., Swanton S and J.Reed, 'Advanced Practice Toolkit for the health and social care professions', HSE, 2016, 1 - 32Protocol or guideline, 2016
  • Kevin Dowling, Sarah Barrett, Laura Mullaney, Claire Poole, A nationwide investigation of radiation therapy event reporting-and- learning systems: Can standards be improved?, Radiography. International Journal of Diagnostic Imaging and Radiation Therapy, 23, (4), 2017, p279 - 286Journal Article, 2017, DOI
  • K. Dowling , C. Poole , L. Mullaney , S. Barrett, OC-0467: Investigating reporting-and-learning systems of Irish radiation therapy: Can standards be improved?, 123, 2017, ppS248 - S249Conference Paper, 2017, DOI
  • Crystalrose Percival, Mickayla Landy, Claire Poole and Laura Mullaney, The role of Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation for Non- small Cell Lung Cancer, Anticancer Research, 38, 2018, p7 - 14Journal Article, 2018, DOI
  • Sarah Caulfield, Gerard Menezes, Laure Marignol, Claire Poole, Nomograms are key decision-making tools in prostate cancer radiation therapy, Urologic Oncology:Seminars and Original Investigations, 36, 2018, p283 - 292Journal Article, 2018, DOI
  • Claire Poole, Radiography, 2018Review, 2018
  • Claire Poole, Clinical Audit, Workload Management and Implementing new techniques, Cyprus Conference RT, Bank of Cyprus Oncology Centre, 29-30 March, 2017, Bank of Cyprus Oncology CentreInvited Talk, 2017
  • Claire Poole, Assessment Project- Test Enhanced Learning for continuing education, ESTRO directors meeting, Brussels, 06.02, 2018, ESTROInvited Talk, 2018
  • Ryan Eimear and Poole Claire, IMPACT OF VIRTUAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT ON STUDENTS' SATISFACTION, ENGAGEMENT, RECALL AND RETENTION, ESTRO 38, Milan, 26th April, 2019Poster, 2019, DOI
  • Kate Lawless, Claire Poole,Patrick J Murphy, ATTITUDES OF PARENTS OF FEMALE SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS TOWARDS THE HPV VACCINE, ESTRO 38, Milan, 26TH April, 2019Poster, 2019, DOI
  • Michelle Leech,Claire Poole,S. Gallagher, W. Fox, Advocating for radiation oncology through the development of a massive open online course , ESTRO 38, Milan, 26TH April, 2019Oral Presentation, 2019, DOI
  • Ryan E and Poole C, Impact of Virtual Learning Environment on Students' Satisfaction, Engagement, Recall, and Retention, Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, 50, (3), 2019, p408 - 415Journal Article, 2019, DOI
  • Claire Poole, Mieke Akkers, Laura La Porta, Christine Verfaillie, Test Enhanced Learning for continuing education, INHED2020 Annual Conference, Trinity Biomedical Science Institute, Trinity College Dublin, 2020Oral Presentation, 2020
  • Ellen Winters, Challenges and impact of patient obesity in Radiation Therapy practice, Radiography, 2020Journal Article, 2020
  • Kate Lawless, Dr. Patrick Murphy, Dr. Laure Marignol, Claire Poole, Influences impacting the attitudes of parents towards the HPV vaccine, Journal of Cancer Prevention and Current Research, 11, (1), 2020, p7 - 11Journal Article, 2020, DOI
  • Claire Poole and Aileen Patterson, Fostering the development of professional identity within healthcare education-interdisciplinary innovation, Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, 2021, pS45 - S50Journal Article, 2021, DOI
  • Quigley, Duana; Poole, Claire; Whiting, Sinead; O'Connor, Erna; Gleeson, Claire; Alpine, Lucy, University student experiences of work-based placements during COVID-19 pandemic: An inter-disciplinary survey of allied health and social work students., Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning, 13, (1), 2023Journal Article, 2023, DOI
  • Claire Poole, Can virtual learning methods like VERT improve education in radiation oncology, ESTRO 2022, Copenhagen, 7th May , 2022, European Society Radiation Oncology (ESTRO)Invited Talk, 2022
  • Maeve Kearney,Cicely Roche, Claire Poole, Triad of Support Framework to enhance student success and learning in work-based placements: Interdisciplinary Experience​, INHED 2022, ONLINE, 24th March, 2022Oral Presentation, 2022
  • Siobhan Davis, Duana Quigley, Mary O' Neill, Lucy Alpine, Erma O'Connor, Maeve Kearney, Claire Poole, Developing students' feedback literacy in healthcare curriculum: a supportive educational innovation., ADEE August 2022, 2022Journal Article, 2022, TARA - Full Text
  • Siobhan Davis, Duana Quigley, Mary O' Neill, Lucy Alpine, Erma O'Connor, Maeve Kearney, Claire Poole, Developing students' feedback literacy in healthcare curriculum: a supportive educational innovation., CPD and clinical governance meeting, Dublin Dental University Hospital, Dublin Ireland, 30th August 2022, 2022Oral Presentation, 2022, URL , TARA - Full Text
  • Kearney, Maeve; Roche, Cicely; Poole, Claire., Promoting Professional Judgement through peer debate in radiation therapy undergraduate curriculum, Technical Innovations & Patient Support in Radiation Oncology, 2022, p11Journal Article, 2022, DOI
  • SK Zazzera , C Poole & L Marignol, Investigating the Needs and Concerns of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, or Questioning Cancer Patients, Journal of Homosexuality, 2024Journal Article, 2024, DOI , TARA - Full Text
  • Keeva Moran, Claire Poole,Sarah Barrett, Evaluating deep learning auto-contouring for lung radiation therapy: A review of accuracy, variability, efficiency and dose, in target volumes and organs at risk, Physics and Imaging in Radiation Oncology, 2025Journal Article, 2025, URL
  • Leech M, Craig A, Poole C, Broderick M, Ni Chuinneagain S, Coffey M, Byrne J, Clinical Oral Examinations: Assessment of Competency in Radiation Therapy, Journal of Radiotherapy in Practice, 8, (3), 2009, p115 - 118Journal Article, 2009, DOI , TARA - Full Text
  • Claire Poole and Josephine Boland, The impact of internalised standards on Clinical Placement ASSESSMENT, INMED 2014, Queens University,BELFAST, 19-21st Feb 2014, 2014Oral Presentation, 2014
  • O'Donovan Theresa, McKenna Catherine, Corish Siobhan, O'Sullivan Lydia, Edel Doyle and Poole Claire, 'Scope of Practice of Radiation Therapist', (2 ED), Dublin, IIRRT, 2013, 1 - 40Protocol or guideline, 2013
  • Conneely F.,Benton E., Ackermann P., Fitzpatrick S., Regan I., McNeill., Stokes E., Swanton S., Poole C. and Reed J., 'Progressing Advanced Practice in the Health and Social Care Professions', HSE, 2014, 1 - 14Protocol or guideline, 2014
  • Claire Poole, Communication of risk to patients being treated by radiation therapy, Rocc'N'Roll project- workshop on risk communication, ONLINE, 8th Feb, 2022, European Cancer OrganisationInvited Talk
  • Claire Poole and Mary Coffey, Current and Future Trends in the Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, 16th November 2013, In:CPC Teaching and clinical governance afternoon, 2013, Discipline of Radiation Therapy,Trinity for Health SciencesMeetings /Conferences Organised, TARA - Full Text

Research Expertise

Claire's research programme spans patient-centred health services research, translating evidence into practice, and clinical education. Her work explores the patient, professional and health system factors that influence equitable access to radiation therapy, with a particular focus on patient communication, patient and public involvement, and person-centred models of care. Through meaningful patient partnership, her research seeks to generate patient-informed evidence that informs sustainable improvements in healthcare education, clinical practice, service delivery and policy. Her long-term vision is to ensure that patient perspectives are embedded in the design, delivery and evaluation of radiation oncology services, contributing to more equitable, accessible and responsive cancer care.

  • Title
    Healthcare Student and Clinical Teachers perceptions of Teaching and Learning in the Clinical Environment
    Summary
    The overall aim of the project is to address the gap in knowledge and skills for clinical practitioners when adapting to a clinical teacher role with a view to enhancing the teaching and learning experience for teachers and students.
    Funding Agency
    Teaching and Learning Enhancement Fund
    Date From
    2021
    Date To
    2022
  • Title
    Strategic Alignment of Teaching and Learning Enhancement Funding in Higher Education 2019
    Summary
    Aim: to support student transitions in healthcare programmes, through the establishment of a faculty and student engagement initiative to create a consensus framework for professional formation of healthcare students and inform ongoing developments in relevant programmes.
    Funding Agency
    National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning
    Date From
    2019
    Date To
    01.09.2020
  • Title
    Core competencies and minimum standards for the final clinical placement of Radiation Therapy students in Ireland: Perspectives of experienced clinical radiation therapists.
    Summary
    In Ireland clinical radiation therapist work in a range of different radiotherapy departments and conduct student assessments. They are expected to assess students against a pre-determined list of criteria and make judgments on whether that student meets these competencies or not. The meaning given to criteria or how personal beliefs, values or expectations may influence their judgments is unknown. My research study aimed to explore their understanding of these factors and explore the concept of internalised standards and how they may influence judgments.
    Date From
    2009
    Date To
    2011
  • Title
    EPRO_Empowering European Patients in Radiation Oncology
    Summary
    E-PRO is a collaborative project between Trinity College Dublin, University of Maastricht and the European Cancer Patient Coalition. The project aims to enhance patients' decision making process towards their healthcare by adding a patient decision aid to a MOOC developed by myself and my colleague within the Discipline of Radiation Therapy. The MOOC will be translated into 3 European languages and piloted across various countries, patient age and socioeconomic groups
    Funding Agency
    EIT Health
    Date From
    01/01/2020
    Date To
    31/12/2020
  • Title
    HSCP Funding for Practice Education
    Summary
    This educational innovation project aims to enhance undergraduate radiation therapy education through the integration of immersive virtual reality (VERT) simulation and peer-assisted learning to better prepare students for contemporary clinical practice. The project builds on a previously funded initiative that successfully embedded simulation-based learning within the curriculum to develop students' communication, patient positioning, image matching, and quality assurance skills prior to clinical placement. Evaluation of the first phase demonstrated improved student confidence, preparedness, and engagement during placement, while clinical educators reported that students required less direct supervision and were able to contribute more effectively within busy clinical environments.

    The second phase addresses a recognised gap in undergraduate education by introducing simulation-based training in surface-guided radiotherapy (SGRT), an increasingly important component of modern radiation therapy practice. The project will develop and embed an SGRT teaching module using the Vision RT AlignRT simulation platform, enabling students to develop core technical competencies within a safe, supportive learning environment before entering clinical placement. Peer-assisted learning will also be incorporated, with senior students acting as peer educators to support junior students' learning, reinforce their own knowledge, and promote collaborative learning and leadership skills.

    The project adopts a technology-enhanced, competency-based educational approach that combines immersive simulation, deliberate practice, structured feedback, and peer learning to improve clinical readiness. Educational evaluation will examine the impact of the intervention on students' confidence, technical competence, and clinical performance through pre- and post-intervention surveys, clinical assessment, and feedback from both students and clinical educators.

    By providing opportunities to practise complex technical procedures in a psychologically safe environment, the project seeks to strengthen students' professional capability while reducing pressure on clinical staff responsible for placement supervision. More broadly, it contributes to the development of sustainable, technology-enhanced models of clinical education that support workforce preparedness and ensure graduates are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence required to meet the evolving demands of contemporary radiation oncology practice.
    Funding Agency
    HSCP
  • Title
    Power of Patient Voice in Radiation Therapy _ POP-RT (Phase 2)
    Summary
    This Irish Cancer Society Cancer Research Networking Award established the first Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) strategy within the Discipline of Radiation Therapy at Trinity College Dublin. Through a co-designed workshop with former radiation therapy patients, the project identified patient priorities for research, education, and clinical practice, resulting in the development of the ARTT_PPI strategy and mission statement. The initiative embedded patient voices into the Discipline's future research agenda, educational programmes, and public engagement activities, creating a sustainable framework for meaningful patient partnership. The project also strengthened collaboration between patients, researchers, and clinicians, ensuring future radiation therapy research and education are informed by lived experience and aligned with patient priorities.
    Funding Agency
    Irish Cancer Society
  • Title
    Power Of Patient voice in Radiation Therapy- POP_RT
    Summary
    This project established the Applied Radiation Therapy " Patient and Public Involvement (ARTT-PPI) initiative to strengthen patient and public involvement (PPI) in radiation therapy research and education. Funded through the Trinity PPI Ignite Festival Fund, the project aimed to empower patients, carers and the public to contribute to the development of patient-centred research priorities and educational initiatives within radiation therapy.

    The project combined an interactive workshop with a podcast series to raise awareness of radiation therapy, introduce the principles of patient and public involvement, and provide opportunities for participants to share their experiences and shape future research. A collaborative SWOT analysis was undertaken to identify opportunities, barriers and priorities for establishing meaningful PPI within applied radiation therapy research, while the podcast extended engagement beyond the event and created an accessible resource for patients, families and the wider community.

    Designed in consultation with existing patient advocacy groups, including the Irish Cancer Society, Irish Radiation Research Oncology Group and Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, the project addressed an identified gap in patient representation specific to radiation therapy. It promoted equitable participation through a hybrid, accessible format, including Irish Sign Language interpretation and adherence to health literacy principles.

    The project laid the foundations for the ARTT-PPI group, which has since evolved into Patients and Clinicians Together in Radiation Oncology (PACT), Ireland's national patient partnership group for radiation oncology. By embedding patient voices within research and education, the initiative established a sustainable framework for meaningful patient partnership and co-production in radiation therapy.
    Funding Agency
    PPI Ignite
  • Title
    From Simulation to Impact: Transforming Communication Skills Education with Generative AI
    Summary
    This project aims to transform communication skills education for undergraduate Radiation Therapy students through the implementation and evaluation of an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled simulation platform (SimConverse). Building on the success of an existing simulation-based education programme, the project addresses a recognised gap in communication skills training, where traditional role-play with lecturers and peers can limit student engagement, confidence and authentic learning experiences.

    The project will integrate SimConverse into the undergraduate practice education curriculum, providing students with access to realistic, interactive clinical communication scenarios in a psychologically safe and flexible learning environment. The platform offers personalised, AI-generated feedback, enabling students to practise and refine verbal and non-verbal communication skills at their own pace while supporting independent learning during both campus-based teaching and clinical placements.

    The project has three objectives: (1) to design and develop an online communication skills module that complements existing practice education; (2) to implement the module with second-year Radiation Therapy students to strengthen clinically relevant communication skills before and during placement; and (3) to evaluate its impact on student confidence, learning experiences and communication competency using learner feedback, clinical assessments and supervisor evaluations.

    By integrating generative AI into clinical education, the project seeks to create a scalable, evidence-informed model for communication skills training that complements traditional simulation and clinical placements. The platform will also provide educators with learning analytics to identify skills gaps, tailor teaching and enhance assessment. Ultimately, the project aims to improve student preparedness for clinical practice, strengthen patient-centred communication, enhance placement quality and support the development of confident, competent graduates equipped to meet the communication demands of contemporary radiation oncology practice.
    Funding Agency
    HSCP
  • Title
    HSCP Practice Education
    Summary
    The project aimed to enhance undergraduate radiation therapy clinical education through the implementation of a virtual reality (VERT) programme integrated within the practice education curriculum. By combining simulation with clinical placements, the project sought to improve students' clinical reasoning, confidence and technical skills, while providing flexible, technology-enhanced learning opportunities. The initiative evaluated the feasibility, acceptability and educational impact of virtual reality as a scalable approach to strengthening clinical education and supporting high-quality graduate preparation.
    Funding Agency
    HSCP
    Date From
    Sept 2023
    Date To
    Sept 2024
  • Title
    Barriers to Accessing Radiation Oncology -BARO project
    Summary
    The Overall Aim of this project is to explore the public, cancer patients' and health professionals' perceptions of RT in order to identify the key factors that may impact their decision-making process about utilising RT such that recommendations to improve access to RT can be made and utilisation of RT can be optimised.
    Date From
    2018
  • Title
    From diagnosis to survival: An introduction to Radiation Oncology
    Summary
    Develop a massive open online course for patients and other healthcare professionals to educate them about radiation oncology/therapy.
    Funding Agency
    Trinity Online Services
    Date From
    September 2018
  • Title
    Test Enhanced Learning for continuing education
    Summary
    Determine if a spaced assessment program based on the principles of the 'Testing effect' will enhance learners retention of knowledge
    Funding Agency
    ESTRO School Pedagogics Group
    Date From
    2018
  • Title
    Reflective Insights into Student Experience (RISE)
    Summary
    Healthcare students are regularly exposed to emotionally demanding and high-pressure clinical environments, making resilience, reflective capability and professional identity essential attributes for safe and compassionate practice. Reflective practice is embedded within the CORU Standards of Proficiency for all Health and Social Care Professionals and is recognised as a key mechanism for supporting professional learning and lifelong development. However, traditional approaches to reflective practice rely predominantly on written reflection, which may not be inclusive or effective for all learners.

    The Reflective Insights into Student Experience (RISE) project was developed in response to Trinity College Dublin's Inclusive Curriculum (TCD-INC) initiative and seeks to broaden opportunities for reflective engagement through creative expression. RISE introduces an innovative arts-based model of reflective practice within the undergraduate Radiation Therapy programme, enabling students to explore and communicate their clinical placement experiences through artistic media. Grounded in the principles of Universal Design for Learning, the project provides multiple means of expression, creating a more inclusive and accessible approach to reflection while supporting resilience, self-awareness, emotional processing and professional identity formation.

    The project builds on a successful pilot delivered as an extracurricular initiative with Senior Sophister Radiation Therapy students, which demonstrated both feasibility and positive student engagement. Funding will support the integration of creative health principles into the undergraduate curriculum through a structured series of facilitated workshops delivered during clinical education. Students will produce a collection of mixed-media artworks reflecting on their placement experiences, providing opportunities for individual reflection, peer learning and collaborative discussion.

    The project aims to implement and evaluate an arts-based model of reflective practice for undergraduate Radiation Therapy students. Specifically, it will:

    1) Deliver a series of facilitated creative workshops that enable students to reflect on their clinical placement experiences through artistic expression.
    2) Evaluate the impact of the intervention on students' reflective engagement, collaborative learning and overall experience using structured observation and targeted evaluation measures.

    The project will culminate in a public exhibition of student artwork, showcasing the lived experiences of Radiation Therapy students to students, academic staff and clinical partners across the Faculty of Health Sciences. Beyond celebrating student learning, the exhibition will create opportunities for dialogue about the human experience of healthcare, promote reflection across professional groups and strengthen understanding of the role and identity of radiation therapists.

    By embedding creative arts within clinical education, RISE seeks to establish a more inclusive, evidence-informed approach to reflective practice that supports student wellbeing, resilience and professional development while informing future educational practice across the health professions.
    Funding Agency
    TCD Faculty of Health Science
    Date From
    June 2026
    Date To
    June 2027

Education, Cancer, Other health sciences,

Recognition

  • AMEE Conference Grant- ESTRO Mobility Grant 26.06.17
  • MOOC Development- Creating Global Learning communities- Trinity Online Services Feb 2018
  • Civic Engagement Award Nominee May 2020
  • CORU- Registered Member present
  • Irish Institute of Radiography and Radiation Therapy (IIRRT) present
  • Irish Network of Healthcare Educators (iNHED) present
  • European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology 2010
  • ESTRO present
  • Practice Education Co-ordinators Network (PECNET) present
  • Irish Network of Medical Educators (INMED) 2019
  • Representative of the IIRRT on the HSE's Health and Social Care Professions Advisory Group 2013
  • Primary co-ordinator and member of the Joint Working Group on Clinical Education Standards for Radiation Therapy. 2011
  • Representative from academia to CORU for consultation on criteria and standards of proficiency for radiation therapist education and training programmes 2013
  • Member of the CORU Committee of Inquiry- professional conduct committee 2017
  • Executive committe member of INHED 2019
  • Invited member of the Clinical Education Advisory Group, Trinity College, Dublin 2017
  • Representative from academia to CORU for consultation on criteria and standards of proficiency for radiation therapist education and training programmes 2013
  • Council Member of the Irish Institute Of Radiography and Radiotherapy 2012
  • Contributor to the National Form for enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education- work based assessment series 2016
  • International Arts in Pharmacy special interest group 2023
  • Academic advisor on the Radiation Therapy Qualification Review Board for the HSE. 2009
  • Executive committee member for INMED 2018
  • Committee member of Practice Education Coordinators Network (PECNET) 2011
  • Academic Assessor on the CORU Radiographers Registration Board Assessor Panel 2015