Standardized Quality Assurance Protocols
At American Oncology Institute, quality assurance (QA) in radiation therapy (RT) is essential to ensure that treatments are delivered safely and effectively. We utilize standardized protocols and guidelines to maintain the highest quality of care.
Here are some key aspects of QA protocols in RT:
Machine QA as per International Protocols
- Regular checks are performed on linear accelerators and other radiation therapy machines to ensure they are calibrated correctly and delivering the intended dose accurately.
- Daily, monthly, and annual quality assurance tests are conducted, including checks of beam output, energy, and mechanical alignment.
Treatment Planning QA before start of the treatment
- Dosimetrists and medical physicists perform QA checks on treatment plans to ensure that the prescribed dose is accurately delivered to the target volume while minimizing exposure to healthy tissues.
- Checks include verifying dose calculations, evaluating dose distribution, and assessing plan complexity.
Continuous training and education on advanced QA protocols
- Ongoing training and education programs ensure that all staff members are familiar with QA protocols and adhere to best practices.
- Regular audits and reviews help identify areas for improvement and ensure compliance with QA standards.
Complete digital documentation, reporting and analysis
- Comprehensive documentation of all QA activities is maintained, including machine QA records, treatment planning QA reports, and patient-specific QA results.
- Reports are reviewed by the QA team and other relevant staff members to ensure that any issues are addressed promptly.
By following standardized QA protocols, radiation therapy centers at AOI ensure that treatments are delivered safely, accurately, and in accordance with best practices, ultimately leading to better outcomes for patients undergoing RT.
