Meta-Analysis of Radiotherapy Audit Data

Abstract

Standardised digital records can improve access and quality of health services and enable meta-analysis of data which may reveal unknown patterns, which improve our understanding of the data. In this study, we report on meta-analysis of data curated from advanced radiotherapy dosimetry audits conducted at hospitals across the UK using test objects developed at the National Physical Laboratory. This meta-analysis highlights hospitals which are performing within expectation, or outside of expected intervals and would benefit from measurement support. Anonymised hospitals with low precision or accuracy treatment plans are identified, enabling support and improvements where appropriate. The results presented may be used to provide insight to hospitals and inform areas of focus for improved predictions of radiation dose that are tailored to a given hospital. Moreover, this analysis can enable auditors and regulators to provide additional services or recommendations, and potentially identify previously unknown patterns or dependencies in the data.

Keywords: Radiotherapy audits; data visualisation; meta-analysis; standardisation.