1. Implementation of peer-review quality rounds for gynecologic brachytherapy in a high-volume academic center
- Author
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Dominique Rash, Minh-Phuong Huynh-Le, John P. Einck, Arno J. Mundt, Aaron B. Simon, Parag Sanghvi, Daniel J. Scanderbeg, Loren K. Mell, David J. Hoopes, Catheryn M. Yashar, Derek Brown, Jyoti Mayadev, and Todd Pawlicki
- Subjects
Organs at Risk ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Genital Neoplasms, Female ,medicine.medical_treatment ,Brachytherapy ,Gynecologic oncology ,Radiation Dosage ,030218 nuclear medicine & medical imaging ,03 medical and health sciences ,Patient safety ,0302 clinical medicine ,Humans ,Medicine ,Dosimetry ,Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and imaging ,Medical physics ,Gynecologic brachytherapy ,Academic Medical Centers ,business.industry ,Radiation therapy ,Oncology ,030220 oncology & carcinogenesis ,Radiation Oncology ,Teaching Rounds ,Female ,Dose Fractionation, Radiation ,Implant ,business ,Quality assurance ,Hospitals, High-Volume - Abstract
Purpose While peer review is critical for quality and safety in radiotherapy, there are neither formal guidelines nor format examples for brachytherapy (BT) peer review. We report on a gynecologic BT peer-review method implemented at a high-volume academic center. Methods and Materials We analyzed discussions at bimonthly gynecologic BT peer-review rounds between July and December 2018. Rounds consisted of 2–5 attending physicians with gynecologic BT expertise, 1–2 BT physicists, and trainees. Peer-review targets included clinical case review, contours, implant technique, dose/fractionation, and target/organ-at-risk (OAR) dosimetry. The projected/final target and OAR dosimetry were analyzed. Results 55 separate implants from 44 patients were reviewed. Implants were mostly reviewed after the first BT fraction (n = 16, 29%) or at another time point during BT (n = 20, 36%). One (2%) implant was presented prospectively. The applicator type and BT technique were reviewed for all implants. Dose/fractionation was evaluated for 46 implants (84%); contours were discussed for 21 (38%). Target and OAR dosimetry were reviewed for 54 (98%) and 28 implants (51%), respectively. Six cases (11%) underwent minor changes to the applicator type to improve target and/or OAR dosimetry. One case (2%) had a major change recommended to the dose/fractionation. Conclusions Gynecologic BT peer review may enhance BT quality by allowing for implant optimization and formal review of challenging cases, ultimately improving medical decision-making and team communication. Peer review should be implemented in centers offering gynecologic BT.
- Published
- 2020
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