Quality indicators in the intensity modulated/image-guided radiotherapy era

Abstract

Purpose: To propose new Quality Indicators (QIs) for the Intensity Modulated(IMRT)/Image-Guided(IGRT) Radiotherapy techniques.

Materials and methods: Two structure, 10 process and 2 outcome QIs were elaborated. A working group including Radiation Oncologist, Medical Physicist and Radiation Technologists was made up. A preliminary set of indicators was selected on the basis of evidenced critical issues; the criteria to identify more relevant and specific QIs for IMRT/IGRT were defined; structure, process and outcome QIs were defined. The elaborated indicators were tested in four Italian Radiotherapy Centers.

Results: Fourteen indicators were proposed. Seven indicators were completely new while a new standard is proposed for four indicators based on Validation Centers (VC) data. No change was reported for 3 indicators. The indicators were applied in the four VC. The VC considered were able to respect all indicators except indicator 2 for one Center.

Discussion and conclusion: QIs may provide useful measures of workload and service performances.

Keywords: IMRT/IGRT; Quality assurance; Quality indicators.