A change in treatment process with a modern record and verify system

Area of Science:

• Radiation Oncology
• Medical Physics
• Health Informatics

Background:

• Advancements in radiation therapy, including multileaf collimators (MLC) and dynamic wedges (DW), increase therapist responsibility.
• Three-dimensional treatment planning (3DTP) necessitates comprehensive record and verify (R&V) systems for managing increased treatment complexity and efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the reliability, usability, efficiency, and integration of a commercial Varis record and verify (R&V) system.
• Assess the impact of the Varis R&V system on treatment processes and error rates in a clinical setting.

Main Methods:

• The Varis system's features, including MLC/DW integration and auto-setup capabilities, were analyzed.
• Evaluation focused on treatment time, error rates, and workload changes, considering how duties were redistributed and processes adapted.

Main Results:

• While initial data entry workload increased for dosimetrists and physics staff, notable events decreased tenfold.
• Therapists using Varis efficiently experienced slight decreases in treatment times due to MLC integration and auto-setup.
• Some therapists faced efficiency challenges due to unfamiliarity, and errors persisted due to reliance on incorrect electronic data.

Conclusions:

• The Varis R&V system significantly impacted clinic processes, reducing errors and misconceptions through rigorous data checking and field scheduling.
• An integrated R&V system allows for more accurate and efficient operation of dual-energy machines with fewer therapists.
• Future Varis releases are expected to further enhance efficiency and accuracy in radiation therapy delivery.