Progress in application of failure mode and effect analysis in the quality control of radiotherapy process

Abstract

With the rapid development of radiotherapy technology, traditional quality management will shift from a device-centric strategy to a process involving multiple people. In recent years, failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) based on predictive risk assessment has gradually been applied in the quality management of radiotherapy process. The FMEA approach mainly includes four steps: process tree management, FMEA, error tree analysis, and the design of scheme for process quality management. The specific methods and results are different due to the specificity of radiotherapy process and the subjectivity of participants. Its reliability and feasibility have also been considered and verified. This article reviews the application of FMEA approach in some radiotherapy centers. Key words: Failure mode and effect analysis; Radiotherapy; Process quality control