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Group Consensus Peer Review: A Fertile Environment for Practical Radiation Oncology and Medical Physics Resident Education

W Duggar*, R Bhandari , B Morris , C Yang , S Vijayakumar , University of Mississippi Med. Center, Jackson, MS

Presentations

(Sunday, 7/29/2018) 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Room: Exhibit Hall

Purpose: Understanding the value and perspective of all members of the Radiation Oncology treatment team is an oft overlooked, but important aspect of quality medical physics training. Even oral exams will not address practical aspects of topics such as peer review and multi-disciplinary collaboration which is required in the daily flow of the clinic. Through the “Group Consensus Peer Review� (GCPR) model, both radiation oncology and medical physics residents enjoy the opportunity to learn from all members of the treatment team and develop confidence to participate in peer review of colleagues respectfully and responsibly with an evidence-based perspective.

Methods: With the GCPR model, any case that is considered complex (i.e. IMRT, VMAT, SBRT, pediatric, retreatment, rare disease entity, etc.) must go through a multi-disciplinary treatment planning conference, which includes physicians, residents, physicists, and dosimetrists, to collectively analyze treatment plans. Key characteristics of each patient and treatment plan are shared and then three major aspects of each plan are review: target volumes, DVH values of coverage and normal tissue doses, and isodose distributions. During the review, all members of the team are free to ask questions regarding technique, dose prescription, and such. At the end of the presentation, group consensus of the present attending physicians is taken regarding plan approval.

Results: The GCPR model has been implemented through department commitment to peer review and creative scheduling/blocking of clinic time for these peer review conferences. Additionally, automated DVH analysis software is used to obtain color-coded results for department approved target coverage and dose constraints which saves time during plan presentation.

Conclusion: The GCPR model demonstrates a good method of professional peer review in Radiation Oncology, and also an excellent learning environment for physics residents to observe, learn, and collaborate with many members of the treatment team using experience, knowledge, and supporting evidence.

Keywords

Not Applicable / None Entered.

Taxonomy

IM/TH- Formal quality management tools: General (most aspects)

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