Abstract
We present a practical, generic, easy-to-use framework for the implementation of new
radiation therapy technologies and treatment techniques in low-income countries. The
framework is intended to standardize the implementation process, reduce the effort
involved in generating an implementation strategy, and provide improved patient safety
by reducing the likelihood that steps are missed during the implementation process.
The 10 steps in the framework provide a practical approach to implementation. The
steps are, 1) Site and resource assessment, 2) Evaluation of equipment and funding,
3) Establishing timelines, 4) Defining the treatment process, 5) Equipment commissioning,
6) Training and competency assessment, 7) Prospective risk analysis, 8) System testing,
9) External dosimetric audit and incident learning, and 10) Support and follow-up.
For each step, practical advice for completing the step is provided, as well as links
to helpful supplementary material. An associated checklist is provided that can be
used to track progress through the steps in the framework. While the emphasis of this
paper is on addressing the needs of low-income countries, the concepts also apply
in high-income countries.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: August 02, 2014
Accepted:
July 13,
2014
Received in revised form:
June 26,
2014
Received:
April 23,
2014
Identification
Copyright
© 2014 Associazione Italiana di Fisica Medica. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
