Safety profile assessment: An online tool to gauge safety-critical performance in radiation oncology

Abstract

Purpose: It is challenging for the radiation oncology practitioner to manage and implement the plethora of recently generated recommendations on quality and safety improvement. The online Safety Profile Assessment (SPA) tool uses an easy-to-use question-and-answer format to assess safety/quality within a clinic, provide a way to benchmark against peers, and facilitate improvement. This report describes the design and development of the SPA and experience from the first year of use. Methods: Performance indicators for the SPA were derived from 4 foundations: the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, a review of 7 recent authoritative documents specific to radiation oncology, a recent Am..