open access
Improving radiation oncology through clinical audits: Introducing the IROCA project
open access
Abstract
As radiotherapy practice and processes become more complex, the need to assure quality control becomes ever greater. At present, no international consensus exists with regards to the optimal quality control indicators for radiotherapy; moreover, few clinical audits have been conducted in the field of radiotherapy. The present article describes the aims and current status of the international IROCA “Improving Radiation Oncology Through Clinical Audits” project. The project has several important aims, including the selection of key quality indicators, the design and implementation of an international audit, and the harmonization of key aspects of radiotherapy processes among participating institutions. The primary aim is to improve the processes that directly impact clinical outcomes for patients. The experience gained from this initiative may serve as the basis for an internationally accepted clinical audit model for radiotherapy.
Abstract
As radiotherapy practice and processes become more complex, the need to assure quality control becomes ever greater. At present, no international consensus exists with regards to the optimal quality control indicators for radiotherapy; moreover, few clinical audits have been conducted in the field of radiotherapy. The present article describes the aims and current status of the international IROCA “Improving Radiation Oncology Through Clinical Audits” project. The project has several important aims, including the selection of key quality indicators, the design and implementation of an international audit, and the harmonization of key aspects of radiotherapy processes among participating institutions. The primary aim is to improve the processes that directly impact clinical outcomes for patients. The experience gained from this initiative may serve as the basis for an internationally accepted clinical audit model for radiotherapy.
Keywords
Radiation oncology; Clinical audit; Quality control; Quality indicators; Health care
About this articleTitle
Improving radiation oncology through clinical audits: Introducing the IROCA project
Journal
Reports of Practical Oncology and Radiotherapy
Issue
Pages
408-414
Published online
2017-09-01
DOI
10.1016/j.rpor.2017.07.004
Bibliographic record
Rep Pract Oncol Radiother 2017;22(5):408-414.
Keywords
Radiation oncology
Clinical audit
Quality control
Quality indicators
Health care
Authors
Maria Glòria Torras
Magdalena Fundowicz
Luisa Aliste
Esther Asensio
Anna Maria Boladeras
Josep Maria Borràs
Luísa Carvalho
Carla Castro
Letizia Deantonio
Ewelina Konstanty
Marco Krengli
Marta Kruszyna
Joana Lencart
Miquel Macià
Susanna Marín
Carles Muñoz-Montplet
Carla Pisani
Diana Pinto
Montserrat Puigdemont
Ferran Guedea
Artur Aguiar
Piotr Milecki
Julian Malicki