Download 1.1 Aim and Structure of the Program - RPOP

IAEA E-learning Program
Safety and Quality in Radiotherapy
Safety and Quality in Radiotherapy
MODULE 1: INTRODUCTION
MODULE 1: INTRODUCTION
SECTIONS:
1.1 Aim and Structure of the Program
1.2 Quality and Safety – the connection
1.3 Statistics on Incidents in Radiotherapy
1.4 Review of Key Publications
Safety and Quality in Radiotherapy
MODULE 1: INTRODUCTION
MODULE 1: INTRODUCTION
SECTIONS:
1.1 Aim and Structure of the Program
1.2 Quality and Safety – the connection
1.3 Statistics on Incidents in Radiotherapy
1.4 Review of Key Publications
Safety and Quality in Radiotherapy
MODULE 1: INTRODUCTION
SECTION 1: AIM AND STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAM
OBJECTIVES
1. To appreciate the scope of the cancer problem worldwide
2. To review the role of radiotherapy.
3. To share information on radiotherapy incident.
4. To state the purpose of this Program.
Safety and Quality in Radiotherapy
MODULE 1: INTRODUCTION
SECTION 1: AIM AND STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAM
There were approximately 14,000,000
new cancer cases worldwide in 20121.
This number will only increase as
populations all over the world continue
to live longer.
The three most widely used treatment
modalities for this potentially lethal
disease are surgery, chemotherapy
(systemic therapy) and radiotherapy.
It is estimated that approximately 50%
of cancer patients would benefit from
radiotherapy at some stage in the course
of their therapy2.
Safety and Quality in Radiotherapy
MODULE 1: INTRODUCTION
SECTION 1: AIM AND STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAM
For radiotherapy to be maximally effective it must generally be delivered very close to a patient’s
tolerance, thus maximizing the probability of cure/palliation while minimizing unacceptable side
effects.
Small deviations from optimum, evidence based prescription and delivery can compromise the
clinical outcome for the patient either through unnecessarily reduced life expectancy and/or
unnecessary morbidity3.
Safety and Quality in Radiotherapy
MODULE 1: INTRODUCTION
SECTION 1: AIM AND STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAM
While radiotherapy is safely and effectively
delivered to the vast majority of the patients
treated worldwide with this modality, there
are certainly opportunities to improve our
service to cancer patients.
The last two decades have seen an increased
awareness of the hazards faced by patients
entering the health care system, including
radiotherapy.
Although the number of reported incidents in
radiotherapy is small compared with the
number of patients treated everyday with this
modality, when incidents do occur, the results
can be catastrophic.
Safety and Quality in Radiotherapy
MODULE 1: INTRODUCTION
SECTION 1: AIM AND STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAM
This e-Learning Program is designed to equip
radiotherapy professionals with the knowledge to
enhance the safety and quality of their practice and
hence to provide patients with optimum outcomes.
Safety and Quality in Radiotherapy
MODULE 1: INTRODUCTION
SECTION 1: AIM AND STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAM
SUMMARY
We have:
1. Estimated the scope of the cancer problem worldwide
2. Reviewed the role of radiotherapy.
3. Reminded ourselves that there have been radiotherapy incidents.
4. Stated the purpose of this Program.
Safety and Quality in Radiotherapy
MODULE 1: INTRODUCTION
SECTION 1: AIM AND STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAM
REFERENCES AND ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
1. Globocan. http://globocan.iarc.fr/Pages/fact_sheets_cancer.aspx
2. Barton MB, Jacob S, Schafiq J, et al. Estimating the demand for
radiotherapy from the evidence: A review of changes from 2003 to
2012. Radiother Oncol 2014;112(1):140 -144.
3. Radiation Biology: A Handbook for Students and Teachers. http://wwwpub.iaea.org/MTCD/publications/PDF/TCS-42_web.pdf