Implementation of a rapid response system at an isolated radiotherapy facility through simulation training

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Radiotherapy
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Radiotherapy departments, especially those in isolated locations, require robust emergency response systems.
• Patients undergoing radiotherapy may experience critical events, necessitating immediate medical attention.
• Geographic isolation and patient immobilization devices can impede timely access to emergency departments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and test a rapid response system for critical events in a radiotherapy department.
• To improve the efficiency of medical emergency team (MET) response times in an isolated facility.
• To enhance patient safety through optimized emergency protocols and simulations.

Main Methods:

• A multidisciplinary team established a rapid response system using a Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle.
• Onsite simulations were conducted to evaluate and refine emergency response processes.
• Key facility characteristics and emergency response phases were analyzed.

Main Results:

• The time for the medical emergency team (MET) to arrive at the site was reduced from 7 minutes to 4 minutes after iterative simulations.
• Protocol modifications and equipment updates were implemented based on simulation findings.
• Simulations demonstrated the effectiveness of the revised response system.

Conclusions:

• A multidisciplinary approach with onsite simulations is crucial for developing effective emergency response systems in radiotherapy facilities.
• The improved rapid response system enhanced MET response times, critical for patient outcomes in isolated settings.
• This model is applicable to other departments and facilities with limited access to emergency services.