Engineering Patient Safety in Radiation Oncology

Because radiation is a central curative and palliative therapy for many patients, it is essential to have safe and efficient systems for planning and delivering radiation therapy. Factors such as rapid technological advances, financial reorganization, an aging population, and evolving societal expectations, however, may be compromising our ability to deliver highly reliable and efficient care.
Engineering Patient Safety in Radiation Oncology describes proven concepts and examples, borrowed from organizations known for high reliability and value creation, to guide radiation oncology centers towards achieving patient safety and quality goals. It portrays the authors’ efforts at the University of North Carolina to address the challenges of keeping patients safe while continuously improving care delivery processes. Reviews past and current challenges of patient safety issues within radiation oncology Provides an overview of best practices from high reliability organizations Explains how to optimize workplaces and work processes to minimize human error Offers methods for engaging and respecting people during their transition to safety mindfulness

Requiring no prior knowledge of high reliability and value creation, the book is divided into two parts. Part one introduces the basic concepts, methods, and tools that underlie the authors’ approach to high reliability and value creation. In addition, it provides an overview of key safety challenges within radiation oncology. In part two, the authors supply an in-depth account of their journey to high reliability and value creation at the University of North Carolina.