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1.
J Med Imaging Radiat Sci ; 54(2): 291-297, 2023 06.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36870936

RESUMEN

INTRODUCTION: Misplaced nasogastric (NG) tubes can have deleterious consequences for patients, including death. Medical radiation technologists (MRTs) may be well-positioned to improve the NG tube verification process. The objective of this study was to identify the care delivery problems (CDPs) associated with verifying NG tube placement and to consider where MRTs may mitigate current challenges. METHODS: This study involved three sources of data; a data audit of NG tube chest x-rays (CXRs), a review of related incident reports, and a staff survey, all conducted in the general radiography departments at two large, affiliated teaching hospitals in Toronto, Ontario. RESULTS: Over a 36-month period, 9,655 NG tube examinations were performed. Just over half of all exams (55.5%) required a single image for verification, while 10.1% required four or more images. The median time an MRT spent for an NG tube examination was 13.5 minutes, with 45.4% of exams completed in 10 minutes or less, while 4.5% required over 30 minutes. 118 incident reports and 57 survey submissions suggested five key CDPs; delayed verification, lack of verification, incorrect verification, increased radiation exposure, and inefficient workflow. CONCLUSIONS: CDPs associated with verifying NG tube placement can lead to poor patient care and inefficient workflows. The results of this study suggest that there may be value in future exploration of additional responsibility for MRTs as a potential solution for improving the NG tube process and thus patient care.


Asunto(s)
Atención a la Salud , Intubación Gastrointestinal , Humanos , Intubación Gastrointestinal/efectos adversos , Intubación Gastrointestinal/métodos , Radiografía , Atención al Paciente , Gestión de Riesgos
3.
J Eval Clin Pract ; 28(2): 247-259, 2022 Apr.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34514681

RESUMEN

RATIONAL AND OBJECTIVE: Requests for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams have notably increased in Canada. However, many of these exams may not always be indicated. The Joint Department of Medical Imaging and the eReferral Program have worked collaboratively to embed an integrated clinical decision support (DS) tool within the eReferral process for diagnostic imaging requests. This retrospective chart review aimed to assess the necessity of MRI exams for knee pain patients at the point of referral in relation to the referral method (no DS tools within fax- vs. DS tools within eReferral). METHODS: Seven hundred and seventeen medical charts of routine MRI referral requests to an Ontario Hospital for patients with knee complaints were reviewed during the study period. The necessity of the MRI exams was evaluated using the supporting algorithm and knee pathway appropriateness guidelines. MRI exams were considered necessary if requested for symptoms or signs that align with best-practice standards, complemented with sound clinical assessment or history of a radiography scan before ordering an MRI. RESULTS: In general, MRI requests made through eReferral were 13.289 times more likely to be necessary orders than those made through fax. The likelihood of referring patients for a necessary MRI exam was higher for eReferral than fax for the year 2018/2019 (53.0% vs. 26.8%, P < 0.001) and for the year 2019/2020 (58.5% vs. 16.3%, P < 0.001). In addition, the rate of ordering X-ray as the proper initial imaging scan for patients presenting with knee pain has steadily increased by 10% over the year for users of the eReferral platform compared to a decrease of 7% for those using fax. CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight the positive impact of integrating DS tools at the point of referral in supporting the ordering of necessary MRI scans, suggesting that service re-design and implementation of automated assistive technology services would impact patient care.


Asunto(s)
Imagen por Resonancia Magnética , Derivación y Consulta , Electrónica , Humanos , Ontario , Dolor , Estudios Retrospectivos
4.
J Med Imaging Radiat Sci ; 53(1): 17-27, 2022 03.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34922881

RESUMEN

INTRODUCTION: Medical imaging (MI) is a critical service that underpins the care journey for many who enter the healthcare system. The subspecialty of Breast Imaging (BI) represents a complex and multi-modality MI setting with a well-defined role in the healthcare system. BI holds great potential as a setting to consider opportunities for a medical radiation technologist's (MRT) current role to be modified and leveraged to fulfill novel and advanced roles to optimize patient-centered service. METHODS: This study was conducted in three interrelated BI clinics, all at large urban academic hospitals with a common operational infrastructure. It involved three phases; (i) mapping processes and workflows in BI (ii) identification and characterization of care delivery problems (CDPs) within these process maps, and prioritization of opportunities where task shifting might leverage enhanced knowledge, skills, and judgement of MRTs to optimize care. The PEPPA framework - a systematic planning tool for the development and implementation of advanced practice nursing (APN) roles5 - was used, with the first five of nine steps considered in scope for this pilot project. RESULTS: Twelve distinct BI processes were identified and mapped as swimlane charts; a single clerical workflow leading up to patient check-in to the BI department, and 11 subsequent clinical processes. Each map included swimlanes for MRTs, radiologists, and clerical staff, as relevant, and included processes ranging from routine mammogram and ultrasound orders to stereotactic-guided core biopsies and rapid diagnostic workflows. Across the maps, 9 CDPs were identified; scheduling, radiologist availability, incorrect orders, and coordination of externally-acquired imaging and consults. The inpatient process map had the most instances of CDP identified, and the radiologist availability CDP was flagged most frequently across processes. Characterization of the root causes of each CDP led to common reflections on team and task factors, including inefficiencies in communication or division of responsibilities, or availability of resources or team members to support workflows. Consultations based on the resultant maps and CDPs led to identification of the following potential advanced roles for MRTs; review and decision-making relating to imaging acquired externally prior to patient appointments, exam ordering and protocoling in defined scenarios, and task-shifting of certain clinical procedures such as breast screening ultrasounds and contrast-enhanced mammography. CONCLUSION: Advanced practice for MRTs holds great potential to address system inefficiencies in breast imaging, if approached systematically and with the primary objective to optimize care. Future work will consider trial and evaluation of pilot roles that incorporate advanced opportunities identified in this project.


Asunto(s)
Atención a la Salud , Radiólogos , Comunicación , Humanos , Mamografía , Proyectos Piloto
5.
JMIR Med Educ ; 7(4): e31043, 2021 Dec 13.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34898458

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: As the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in health care increases, it will become increasingly crucial to involve health care professionals (HCPs) in developing, validating, and implementing AI-enabled technologies. However, because of a lack of AI literacy, most HCPs are not adequately prepared for this revolution. This is a significant barrier to adopting and implementing AI that will affect patients. In addition, the limited existing AI education programs face barriers to development and implementation at various levels of medical education. OBJECTIVE: With a view to informing future AI education programs for HCPs, this scoping review aims to provide an overview of the types of current or past AI education programs that pertains to the programs' curricular content, modes of delivery, critical implementation factors for education delivery, and outcomes used to assess the programs' effectiveness. METHODS: After the creation of a search strategy and keyword searches, a 2-stage screening process was conducted by 2 independent reviewers to determine study eligibility. When consensus was not reached, the conflict was resolved by consulting a third reviewer. This process consisted of a title and abstract scan and a full-text review. The articles were included if they discussed an actual training program or educational intervention, or a potential training program or educational intervention and the desired content to be covered, focused on AI, and were designed or intended for HCPs (at any stage of their career). RESULTS: Of the 10,094 unique citations scanned, 41 (0.41%) studies relevant to our eligibility criteria were identified. Among the 41 included studies, 10 (24%) described 13 unique programs and 31 (76%) discussed recommended curricular content. The curricular content of the unique programs ranged from AI use, AI interpretation, and cultivating skills to explain results derived from AI algorithms. The curricular topics were categorized into three main domains: cognitive, psychomotor, and affective. CONCLUSIONS: This review provides an overview of the current landscape of AI in medical education and highlights the skills and competencies required by HCPs to effectively use AI in enhancing the quality of care and optimizing patient outcomes. Future education efforts should focus on the development of regulatory strategies, a multidisciplinary approach to curriculum redesign, a competency-based curriculum, and patient-clinician interaction.

6.
JMIR Res Protoc ; 10(10): e30940, 2021 Oct 06.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34612839

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Significant investments and advances in health care technologies and practices have created a need for digital and data-literate health care providers. Artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms transform the analysis, diagnosis, and treatment of medical conditions. Complex and massive data sets are informing significant health care decisions and clinical practices. The ability to read, manage, and interpret large data sets to provide data-driven care and to protect patient privacy are increasingly critical skills for today's health care providers. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to accelerate the appropriate adoption of data-driven and AI-enhanced care by focusing on the mindsets, skillsets, and toolsets of point-of-care health providers and their leaders in the health system. METHODS: To accelerate the adoption of AI and the need for organizational change at a national level, our multistepped approach includes creating awareness and capacity building, learning through innovation and adoption, developing appropriate and strategic partnerships, and building effective knowledge exchange initiatives. Education interventions designed to adapt knowledge to the local context and address any challenges to knowledge use include engagement activities to increase awareness, educational curricula for health care providers and leaders, and the development of a coaching and practice-based innovation hub. Framed by the Knowledge-to-Action framework, we are currently in the knowledge creation stage to inform the curricula for each deliverable. An environmental scan and scoping review were conducted to understand the current state of AI education programs as reported in the academic literature. RESULTS: The environmental scan identified 24 AI-accredited programs specific to health providers, of which 11 were from the United States, 6 from Canada, 4 from the United Kingdom, and 3 from Asian countries. The most common curriculum topics across the environmental scan and scoping review included AI fundamentals, applications of AI, applied machine learning in health care, ethics, data science, and challenges to and opportunities for using AI. CONCLUSIONS: Technologies are advancing more rapidly than organizations, and professionals can adopt and adapt to them. To help shape AI practices, health care providers must have the skills and abilities to initiate change and shape the future of their discipline and practices for advancing high-quality care within the digital ecosystem. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/30940.

7.
JMIR Res Protoc ; 10(5): e27340, 2021 May 19.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34009136

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) in health care has impacted health care systems, including employment, training, education, and professional regulation. It is incumbent on health professional associations to assist their membership in defining and preparing for AI-related change. Health professional associations, or the national groups convened to represent the interests of the members of a profession, play a unique role in establishing the sociocultural, normative, and regulative elements of health care professions. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper is to present a protocol for a proposed study of how, when faced with AI as a disruptive technology, health professional associations engage in sensemaking and legitimization of change to support their membership in preparing for future practice. METHODS: An exploratory multi-case study approach will be used. This study will be informed by the normalization process theory (NPT), which suggests behavioral constructs required for complex change, providing a novel lens through which to consider the agency of macrolevel actors in practice change. A total of 4 health professional associations will be studied, each representing an instrumental case and related fields selected for their early consideration of AI technologies. Data collection will consist of key informant interviews, observation of relevant meetings, and document review. Individual and collective sensemaking activities and action toward change will be identified using stakeholder network mapping. A hybrid inductive and deductive model will be used for a concurrent thematic analysis, mapping emergent themes against the NPT framework to assess fit and identify areas of discordance. RESULTS: As of January 2021, we have conducted 17 interviews, with representation across the 4 health professional associations. Of these 17 interviews, 15 (88%) have been transcribed. Document review is underway and complete for one health professional association and nearly complete for another. Observation opportunities have been challenged by competing priorities during COVID-19 and may require revisiting. A linear cross-case analytic approach will be taken to present the data, highlighting both guidance for the implementation of AI and implications for the application of NPT at the macro level. The ability to inform consideration of AI will depend on the degree to which the engaged health professional associations have considered this topic at the time of the study and, hence, what priority it has been assigned within the health professional association and what actions have been taken to consider or prepare for it. The fact that this may differ between health professional associations and practice environments will require consideration throughout the analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Ultimately, this protocol outlines a case study approach to understand how, when faced with AI as a disruptive technology, health professional associations engage in sensemaking and legitimization of change to support their membership in preparing for future practice. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/27340.

8.
J Cancer Educ ; 36(5): 1030-1038, 2021 10.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32140967

RESUMEN

Effective communication between healthcare providers (HCPs) and patients is important for HCP well-being, patient engagement, and health outcomes. Yet, HCPs do not receive adequate communication skills training and report feeling unprepared for difficult conversations. A needs assessment of 64 cancer HCP trainees in Toronto, Canada, found that a majority of trainees rated themselves with low competency in communication skills to support patients through difficult conversations, while nearly all rated these skills as important to their practice. A blended multiprofessional communications program was developed including online theoretical learning and reflective practice in addition to in-person simulation with standardised patient actors. Since communication skills mastery is highly unlikely to occur at the termination of a single training program, the goal of the program was to stimulate participants' motivational beliefs about difficult conversations communication skills in order to deepen their commitment to learning and mastery. The motivational beliefs assessed included self-efficacy (self-perceived competence), intent to use techniques learned, and confidence in task mastery. After completing the course, participants' self-perceived competence in dealing with difficult conversations significantly increased by an average of 25 points (p < 0.001) on a rating scale of 1-100 (n = 40). Participants' intent to use techniques did not change significantly and remained high with an overall average of 89 points. After the course, participants rated their confidence in mastering techniques learned at an average score of 71 points. Multiprofessional, simulation-based training is an effective way to improve HCP trainees' motivational beliefs around having difficult conversations.


Asunto(s)
Comunicación , Personal de Salud , Competencia Clínica , Curriculum , Personal de Salud/educación , Humanos , Oncología Médica/educación
9.
J Med Imaging Radiat Sci ; 52(1): 29-36, 2021 03.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33308950

RESUMEN

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND: A peer learning program includes the process of peer review, which is the act of performing a secondary review of a peer's work using pre-defined criteria. The Technologist Image Quality Assessment Criteria Project (TIQACP) was initiated to develop and evaluate such criteria for use by technologists for assessment of image quality in Nuclear Medicine (NM). METHODS: A NM clinical expert panel was assembled, comprising 14 technologists, radiologists, and educators from five imaging centres and an academic institution with associated medical imaging training programs. Project design was guided by consensus-based methodology that included three phases: (1) image quality assessment criteria development, based on literature search and expert review (2) image quality assessment criteria refinement, based on consensus-building exercises (panel surveys, discussions, ranking exercise, and time trial) (3) external validation performed via a national survey of NM technologists, facilitated by the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists. RESULTS: The first phase generated 8 key evidence sources, including textbooks, NM journals and guidelines from professional associations that were reviewed by the expert panel leads and led to a preliminary list of 11 criteria. As part of the second phase, the preliminary list was reviewed via online surveys and panel discussions. Preliminary discussions led to an initial expansion of the list to include 18 criteria. This list required an average of 9 min (range: 7-11 min) for review, which was deemed prohibitive by the panel. A ranking exercise identified 'all required anatomy is clearly identified' as the most relevant criteria and 'Image quality demonstrates no breakdown of the radiopharmaceutical' as the least relevant criteria. Panel discussion also highlighted need to eliminate criteria that were not applicable to all settings. These insights led to an updated list of nine criteria organized into four categories. National validation was supported by 47 NM technologists from across Canada. Respondents were in agreement that the criteria reflected the core elements of image quality in NM (94% agree to strongly agree), were familiar (97%) and were relevant to their current practice setting (88%). The final list was thus not changed based on the survey. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: The TIQACP utilized an inclusive process that engaged a range of subject matter experts and the broader NM community to ensure buy-in of the final criteria. These criteria have subsequently been embedded in peer review software that has been implemented into a robust peer learning program for technologists designed to promote a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing amongst front-line staff.


Asunto(s)
Técnicos Medios en Salud , Medicina Nuclear/normas , Revisión por Pares , Tecnología Radiológica/normas , Humanos , Medicina Nuclear/educación , Ontario , Control de Calidad , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Tecnología Radiológica/educación
10.
J Med Imaging Radiat Sci ; 51(2): 317-323, 2020 06.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32245671

RESUMEN

PURPOSE: Practical considerations dictated a change in the craniospinal irradiation (CSI) technique. We report our experience in developing and refining CSI planning and treatment parameters, using a 3-isocenter image-guided intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IG-IMRT) technique. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Two institutional values guided development: multidisciplinary decision-making and coordinated considerations throughout simulation, planning, and delivery. Patient immobilization and simulation parameters were selected based on treatment delivery system limitations. Commissioning fluence verification maps were acquired to verify dose in regions of overlapping fields. Robustness analysis was performed to assess impact of potential setup errors measured through IGRT verification. Treatment considerations included order of isocenter imaging and treatment and respective IGRT frequency, modality, and image registration thresholds. RESULTS: Overall film measurements were within 3% of planned dose, confirmed by phantom composite measurements showing all points were within 97% of planned dose. Setup sensitivity analysis suggested a 3-mm setup tolerance was sufficient to ensure confidence in the delivered plan. As the most critical organs at risk were in the superior isocenter, the daily isocenter treatment order was confirmed as superior, middle, and inferior. Daily cone beam computed tomography guidance was chosen for all isocenters (3° rotational threshold). Except for the superior/inferior direction of the middle and inferior isocenters, which were adjusted to 3 mm based on sensitivity analysis, a 1-mm translational threshold was used. CONCLUSIONS: An IG-IMRT CSI technique has been developed and implemented in our institution through a multidisciplinary approach. This process highlights the collaborative, iterative approach used to successfully integrate a new treatment technique in an image-guidance era.


Asunto(s)
Irradiación Craneoespinal/métodos , Planificación de la Radioterapia Asistida por Computador/métodos , Radioterapia de Intensidad Modulada/métodos , Toma de Decisiones , Fraccionamiento de la Dosis de Radiación , Humanos , Modelos Anatómicos , Posicionamiento del Paciente , Proyectos Piloto , Dosificación Radioterapéutica , Errores de Configuración en Radioterapia/prevención & control
12.
13.
J Allied Health ; 47(3): 228-233, 2018.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30194831

RESUMEN

Following development of a framework to establish the scope of advanced practice for radiation therapists (APRTs), a Canadian certification process was built. This involved three independently-assessed phases: professional portfolio, case submission, and oral examination. The oral examination was to test the candidate's knowledge and capacity for decision-making. Development and piloting involved 3 elements: 1) content development, including relevant case selection, with accompanying high-fidelity imaging and resources; 2) harnessing of technology and ensuing logistics, given the desire to offer the examination online, maximizing accessibility and minimizing resources; and 3) examiner recruitment and preparation, involving a national call for interprofessional examiners, to assess across the spectrum of competencies. Each element was approached systematically, with modifications made iteratively. Three overarching challenges required ongoing attention and consideration: resource-intensiveness of building and validating cases, ensuring applicability and relevance of case content and "answers" across practice environments, and preparation of non-radiation therapist (oncologist and physicist) examiners regarding APRT standards. The resultant examination model is thought to be a robust assessment tool, well-regarded by candidates and examiners as fair and transparent, and complementary to the other certification phases. A consultatory pilot process supported establishment of a robust framework that is believed to be defensible and preliminarily valid.


Asunto(s)
Técnicos Medios en Salud/normas , Certificación/métodos , Competencia Clínica/normas , Evaluación Educacional/métodos , Radioterapia/normas , Canadá , Humanos , Liderazgo , Variaciones Dependientes del Observador , Competencia Profesional , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados
14.
Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys ; 98(2): 428-437, 2017 06 01.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28366572

RESUMEN

PURPOSE: To develop an entry-to-practice quality and safety competency profile for radiation oncology residency. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A comprehensive list of potential quality and safety competency items was generated from public and professional resources and interprofessional focus groups. Redundant or out-of-scope items were eliminated through investigator consensus. Remaining items were subjected to an international 2-round modified Delphi process involving experts in radiation oncology, radiation therapy, and medical physics. During Round 1, each item was scored independently on a 9-point Likert scale indicating appropriateness for inclusion in the competency profile. Items indistinctly ranked for inclusion or exclusion were re-evaluated through web conference discussion and reranked in Round 2. RESULTS: An initial 1211 items were compiled from 32 international sources and distilled to 105 unique potential quality and safety competency items. Fifteen of the 50 invited experts participated in round 1: 10 radiation oncologists, 4 radiation therapists, and 1 medical physicist from 13 centers in 5 countries. Round 1 rankings resulted in 80 items included, 1 item excluded, and 24 items indeterminate. Two areas emerged more prominently within the latter group: change management and human factors. Web conference with 5 participants resulted in 9 of these 24 items edited for content or clarity. In Round 2, 12 participants rescored all indeterminate items resulting in 10 items ranked for inclusion. The final 90 enabling competency items were organized into thematic groups consisting of 18 key competencies under headings adapted from Deming's System of Profound Knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: This quality and safety competency profile may inform minimum training standards for radiation oncology residency programs.


Asunto(s)
Competencia Clínica , Técnica Delphi , Internado y Residencia , Desarrollo de Programa , Oncología por Radiación/educación , Australia , Canadá , Consenso , Curriculum , Dinamarca , Ergonomía , Femenino , Grupos Focales , Física Sanitaria , Humanos , Cooperación Internacional , Internado y Residencia/normas , Masculino , Nueva Zelanda , Seguridad del Paciente , Guías de Práctica Clínica como Asunto , Oncología por Radiación/normas , Oncología por Radiación/estadística & datos numéricos , Seguridad , Reino Unido
15.
J Med Imaging Radiat Sci ; 48(4): 370-376, 2017 12.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31047472

RESUMEN

PURPOSE: Daily volumetric imaging through cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has greatly impacted the roles and responsibilities of radiation therapists (RTTs). A CBCT eLearning module was developed at our cancer centre to equip RTTs with critical thinking skills and clinical judgement required in a CBCT guidance environment. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the electronic module and its impact on the learner's outcome from the perspectives of various radiation therapy professions and to assess the applicability of the eLearning module to RTTs, oncologists, and physicists. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The module "Myths in Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Practice" was evaluated by participants from our in-house accelerated education program. A 21-item questionnaire was developed to assess the module effectiveness. Two cohorts of attendees from the in-house accelerated education program (19 oncologists, 14 physicists, 14 therapists) were asked to voluntarily complete the survey following review of the module. Data analyses were performed between groups to determine differences in their perceptions. RESULTS: Twenty-one participants (5 oncologists, 3 physicists, 13 therapists) responded to the survey yielding a response rate of 44.68%. Survey responses indicate learners found the format user friendly, clear, and easy to navigate. All participants agreed that the electronic format of this module is conducive to learning with 60% agreement that this module is more useful than live sessions; 94.74% agreed that the module increases confidence in practicing image-guided radiation therapy. CONCLUSIONS: This module is a useful resource for all disciplines of radiation medicine. While the electronic format of this module may be useful worldwide in centres requiring training of their employees in volumetric image-guided radiation therapy, live interactive sessions should supplement this training.


Asunto(s)
Tomografía Computarizada de Haz Cónico , Educación a Distancia/métodos , Oncología por Radiación/educación , Radiología/educación , Radioterapia Guiada por Imagen , Humanos , Neoplasias/radioterapia , Encuestas y Cuestionarios
18.
J Med Imaging Radiat Sci ; 47(2): 139-146, 2016 Jun.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31047177

RESUMEN

INTRODUCTION: Quality and safety in radiation treatment have garnered increasing attention in recent years. With the introduction of the CanMEDS 2015 Physician Competency Framework, incorporation of patient safety and quality improvement will be required across all seven established physician roles for radiation oncology residents. An appreciation for the competency areas relevant to radiation oncologists (ROs) in the quality and safety domain is thus needed to inform training in this area. METHODS: Semistructured interprofessional focus groups were held with ROs, medical physicists, and radiation therapists to ascertain the scope of quality principles required of newly certified ROs, to identify current teaching best practices, and to define required competencies in this area. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and data analyzed iteratively and coded using a constant comparison method. RESULTS: Three focus groups were held with 20 participants overall, and an average duration of 68 minutes (range 47-81 minutes). Participants found it difficult to define quality but noted that for residents it might encompass competencies in peer review, incident and change management, and quality culture. Although addressed in various ways in current residency programs, it was thought that explicit acknowledgment of relevant "nonmedical expert" quality competencies would ensure adequate attention in residency. CONCLUSIONS: Quality and safety are important concepts in radiation oncology, warranting attention in residency training to develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviour necessary in practice.

19.
J Med Imaging Radiat Sci ; 46(4): 427-434, 2015 Dec.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31052124

RESUMEN

Quality is a ubiquitous term in medical radiation technology; technologists, programs, and organizations emphasize the importance of "quality care," yet the concept of what is encompassed by the term, how it is built and measured, and who is the judge of whether it has been achieved, are often left undefined. This article will present theoretical definitions of quality, considering the value of professional, patient, and organization perspectives. Foundational quality principles and frameworks will be explored to highlight tools necessary to engage in "quality-related" activities and research at the individual, institutional, and systems level. Being equipped with an understanding of the work of Deming, the underpinnings of the lean strategy and the idea of continuous quality improvement will support technologists in contributing to evidence-based, high-quality, and safe practice. Building on these basics, concepts of complexity and standardization will be explored as they relate to achieving and maintaining quality given changing practice, focusing on personalized medicine, technological innovation, and best practice guidelines. Means to measure and evaluate quality will be presented, emphasizing the need for a structured approach. Using the work of the Canadian Partnership for Quality Radiotherapy as an example, key quality-related considerations, such as incident reporting, organizational structure, and quality culture will be discussed, with specific attention to roles within the team. When appropriately defined, measured, and evaluated, the quest for quality has the potential to improve safety and mitigate risk. Engaging technologists to assume strong roles in providing the highest quality of care will contribute positively at the level of the individual patient, the organization, and the system.

20.
Radiat Oncol ; 9: 189, 2014 Aug 28.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25169674

RESUMEN

PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility and educational value of high-fidelity, interprofessional team-based simulation in radiation oncology. METHODS: The simulation event was conducted in a radiation oncology department during a non-clinical day. It involved 5 simulation scenarios that were run over three 105 minute timeslots in a single day. High-acuity, low-frequency clinical situations were selected and included HDR brachytherapy emergency, 4D CT artifact management, pediatric emergency clinical mark-up, electron scalp trial set-up and a cone beam CT misregistration incident. A purposive sample of a minimum of 20 trainees was required to assess recruitment feasibility. A faculty radiation oncologist (RO), medical physicist (MP) or radiation therapist (RTT), facilitated each case. Participants completed a pre event survey of demographic data and motivation for participation. A post event survey collected perceptions of familiarity with the clinical content, comfort with interprofessional practice, and event satisfaction, scored on a 1-10 scale in terms of clinical knowledge, clinical decision making, clinical skills, exposure to other trainees and interprofessional communication. Means and standard deviations were calculated. RESULTS: Twenty-one trainees participated including 6 ROs (29%), 6 MPs (29%), and 9 RTTs (43%). All 12 cases (100%) were completed within the allocated 105 minutes. Nine faculty facilitators, (3MP, 2 RO, 4 RTTs) were required for 405 minutes each. Additional costs associated with this event were 154 hours to build the high fidelity scenarios, 2 standardized patients (SPs) for a total of 15.5 hours, and consumables.The mean (±SD) educational value score reported by participants with respect to clinical knowledge was 8.9 (1.1), clinical decision making 8.9 (1.3), clinical skills 8.9 (1.1), exposure to other trainees 9.1 (2.3) and interprofessional communication 9.1 (1.0). Fifteen (71%) participants reported the cases were of an appropriate complexity. The importance of further simulation events was rated highly at 9.1/10. CONCLUSIONS: High-fidelity simulation training is feasible and effective in a radiation oncology context. However, such educational activities require significant resources, including personnel and equipment.


Asunto(s)
Técnicos Medios en Salud/educación , Educación de Postgrado en Medicina/métodos , Médicos , Oncología por Radiación/educación , Humanos
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