ACR-ASTRO Practice Parameter for Communication: Radiation Oncology. Am J Clin Oncol 2020 Aug;43(8):553-558
Date
06/11/2020Pubmed ID
32520791DOI
10.1097/COC.0000000000000707Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85089126288 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 6 CitationsAbstract
AIM/OBJECTIVES/BACKGROUND: Timely, accurate, and effective communications are critical to quality in contemporary medical practices. Radiation oncology incorporates the science and technology of complex integrated radiation treatment delivery and the art of managing individual patients. Through written physical and/or electronic reports and direct communication, radiation oncologists convey critical information regarding patient care, services provided, and quality of care. Applicable practice parameters need to be revised periodically regarding medical record documentation for professional and technical components of services delivered.
METHODS: The ACR-ASTRO Practice Parameter for Communication: Radiation Oncology was revised according to the process described on the American College of Radiology (ACR) Web site ("The Process for Developing ACR Practice Parameters and Technical Standards," www.acr.org/ClinicalResources/Practice-Parametersand-Technical-Standards) by the Committee on Practice Parameters of the ACR Commission on Radiation Oncology in collaboration with the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO). Both societies then reviewed and approved the document.
RESULTS: This practice parameter addresses radiation oncology communications in general, including (a) medical record, (b) electronic, and (c) doctor-patient communications, as well as specific documentation for radiation oncology reports such as (a) consultation, (b) clinical treatment management notes (including inpatient communication), (c) treatment (completion) summary, and (d) follow-up visits.
CONCLUSIONS: The radiation oncologist's participation in the multidisciplinary management of patients is reflected in timely, medically appropriate, and informative communication with the referring physician and other members of the health care team. The ACR-ASTRO Practice Parameter for Communication: Radiation Oncology is an educational tool designed to assist practitioners in providing appropriate communication regarding radiation oncology care for patients.
Author List
Schechter NR, Brown DW, Bovi JA, Dominello MM, Liu AK, Mattes MD, Michalski JM, Shih HA, Strom E, Wilkinson JB, Rosenthal SA, Hartford AMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
CommunicationHumans
Medical Records
Physician-Patient Relations
Radiation Oncology