A method for empirically validating FMEA RPN scores in a radiation oncology clinic using physics QC data.

In failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA), the components of the risk priority number (RPN) for a failure mode (FM) are often chosen by consensus. We describe an empirical method for estimating the occurrence (O) and detectability (D) components of a RPN. The method requires for a given FM that its associated quality control measure be performed twice as is the case when a FM is checked for in an initial physics check and again during a weekly physics check.

It's the little THANGS: Recording frequently unreported errors for dosimetry quality improvement.

The reporting of errors resulting in dose deviations are well-studied. Less studied is the amount of inconsequential errors that will not harm the patient but could lead to inefficiency. This paper reports an institutional effort to quantify and reduce these less significant errors.

Implementation and Evaluation of a TG-275 Key Recommendation: An Additional Early Physics Check.

Purpose: We report our experience of performing an extra, earlier physics plan check as recommended by the American Association of Physicists in Medicine Task Group 100 and Task Group 275 reports. We assessed utilization and timing of the extra check as well as the time required in a medium-sized clinic.

Methods And Materials: We retrospectively extracted and analyzed timestamp data from the record and verify system for the quality checklist (QCL) items related to treatment planning and physics "prechecks" for 3487 patients treated at our institution from February 2017 to February 2021.