[Risk assessment in radiation therapy].

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Radiation Oncology
• Healthcare Quality Improvement

Context:

• Radiation therapy was an early adopter of quality assurance (QA) programs.
• Existing QA programs primarily focus on equipment, often neglecting human factors.
• Risk management is an emerging approach in medical disciplines.

Purpose:

• To identify, apply, and adapt risk management methods for radiation therapy.
• To leverage industry experience for improving safety and developing management models.
• To integrate risk management principles into radiation therapy departments.

Summary:

• Radiation therapy QA has traditionally emphasized equipment over human factors.
• Risk management, drawing from industrial best practices, presents a novel strategy.
• Implementing risk management is crucial for enhancing safety and operational models in radiation oncology.

Impact:

• Potential to significantly improve patient safety in radiation therapy.
• Development of tailored risk management models for clinical practice.
• Facilitates a more comprehensive approach to quality and safety in radiation oncology departments.