I001] The role of the MPE in risk management

Abstract

Purpose In many sectors, for example in aviation, risk management and the associated processes and requirements have become indispensable. In medicine, where there is a significant risk of harm to life, risk management is still not available in some disciplines. Most of the persons in charge are directly involved in the processes and it is difficult to objectively demand causes, consequences and improvement ideas and to evaluate them. Methods Risk management involves all the professions. Additionally coordinating and organizational activities must be taken over. In radiotherapy, that could be the radiation-oncologist, the radiation-technologist or the medical physicist, because of their integration into the work processes. Why medical physicists are particularly suitable in risk management? • Medical physicists are physicists from heart and characterized by high and having a great affinity to logical thinking. They are usually successful at implementing projects, both in terms of planning and practical implementation. • MPE’s often work as link between the prescribing (radiation oncologist) and the executing (radiation technologist). Most errors or near-misses occur in prescription or in execution. So the MPE holds a very neutral position. • Already in physics study at university error calculation and tolerance limits are central topics and are major prerequisite in risk management. Why are medical physicists not likely to be involved in risk management? • Physicists are told to be not communicative • Formalities are a little suspect to a physicist, but indispensable in risk management. Training for the physicist to become a MPE includes not only the appropriation on medical and health technological knowledge but also the development of a structured personality. So the MPE shows ideal prerequisites to play a leading and driving role in. Conclusions Of course, good risk management requires the cooperation of all professional groups on an appreciative and respectful approach, but experience shows that at least in radiotherapy, medical physicists are often chosen to take a lead. This makes sense but we encounter the problem that this fact has to be taken into account in the framework conditions or regulatory requirements and additional staff in the field of medical physics is required.