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Quality Indicators and Benchmarks for Radiotherapy in Lung Cancer: A Modified Delphi Approach
K-L Chiew1, C Donnelly2, S V Harden3
1Princess Alexandra Hospital, Division of Cancer Services, Brisbane, Australia; South Western Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Liverpool, Australia.
Clinical Oncology (Royal College of Radiologists (Great Britain))
|June 26, 2025
Summary
This study developed 29 quality indicators (QIs) and benchmarks for lung cancer radiotherapy (RT) processes. These QIs aim to standardize quality measurement and improve patient outcomes in radiation oncology.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiation Oncology
- Quality Improvement
Background:
- Existing quality indicators (QIs) for lung cancer primarily focus on clinical care, with limited options for assessing radiotherapy (RT).
- A need exists for specific, measurable QIs to evaluate the quality of RT in lung cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a core set of quality indicators (QIs) and benchmarks for evaluating radiotherapy processes in lung cancer.
- To address the gap in specialized QIs for lung cancer RT quality assessment.
Main Methods:
- A modified Delphi technique involving an international expert panel of radiation oncologists was used.
- Candidate QIs were evaluated for importance, feasibility, and benchmark acceptability through two survey rounds.
- Consensus was defined as at least 70% agreement among respondents.
Main Results:
- Out of 47 initial QIs, 29 reached the threshold for importance after two Delphi rounds.
- Agreement on QI importance ranged from 71% to 97%, with 12 QIs achieving over 90% consensus.
- All 29 QIs were deemed feasible, and 27 benchmarks were accepted.
Conclusions:
- A core set of 29 QIs and acceptable benchmarks for lung cancer RT processes has been established.
- These QIs offer a framework for standardized quality measurement and benchmarking in radiation oncology.
- The developed QIs have the potential to guide quality improvement efforts and enhance patient outcomes.
