Clinical risk management in radiotherapy: Published guidelines and own experience

Peter Winkler,Andreas Uller,Tanja Langsenlehner,Astrid Oechs,Edith Geyer,Karin Kapp

doi:10.1186/2056-5917-1-s1-a28

Abstract

Background Radiotherapy (RT) is one of the major treatment options in cancer management. The process of RT is complex and incorporates the use of highly specialized technical equipment. Therefore quality assurance (QA) procedures have always been an inclusive part of RT. Due to the rapidly increasing complexity during the last years, comprehensive QA has become even more of an issue, including treatment planning software, information handling and treatment delivery. Obviously methods from clinical risk management (RM) can be well adapted and adopted for use in radiotherapy. In this paper we aim to discuss currently available guidelines on RM in radiotherapy and to present risk assessment and process evaluation activities involved in the RM-implementation process at our department.

Highlights

Radiotherapy (RT) is one of the major treatment options in cancer management
A risk management (RM) system at our clinic was established according to the national guidelines
All treatment-related processes, where incidents could lead to hazards or harm, were reviewed using Failure Mode and Effects Analysis and their level of risk was analysed

Summary

Introduction

Radiotherapy (RT) is one of the major treatment options in cancer management. The process of RT is complex and incorporates the use of highly specialized technical equipment. Quality assurance (QA) procedures have always been an inclusive part of RT. Due to the rapidly increasing complexity during the last years, comprehensive QA has become even more of an issue, including treatment planning software, information handling and treatment delivery. Methods from clinical risk management (RM) can be well adapted and adopted for use in radiotherapy. In this paper we aim to discuss currently available guidelines on RM in radiotherapy and to present risk assessment and process evaluation activities involved in the RM-implementation process at our department

Objectives

Methods

Results