Standardization of dosimetry chart checks

This paper reports on a standardized report form that can be used to analyze dose error rates from radiation therapy. An error classification scheme of Types 1 to 5 was developed to indicate increasing severity of errors. Type 1 (charting errors) and Type 3 (daily dose errors) were the most prominent types. Dosimetry errors were reduced by using the results of the reports to correct operating procedures. Type 1 error rates decreased from 17% initially to an average of 3.9%. An average error rate of 1.7% for Type 3 dose errors was found to be consistent with normal operation. Use of the report form is useful in documenting and correcting errors and as a reporting record for use in a quality assurance program.