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Consensus Quality Measures and Dose Constraints for Breast Cancer From the Veterans Affairs Radiation Oncology Quality Surveillance Program and American Society for Radiation Oncology Expert Panel. Pract Radiat Oncol 2023;13(3):217-230

Date

09/18/2022

Pubmed ID

36115498

DOI

10.1016/j.prro.2022.08.016

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85143870305 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   1 Citation

Abstract

PURPOSE: Using evidence-based radiation therapy to direct care for patients with breast cancer is critical to standardize practice, improve safety, and optimize outcomes. To address this need, the Veterans Affairs (VA) National Radiation Oncology Program (NROP) established the VA Radiation Oncology Quality Surveillance Program to develop clinical quality measures (QMs). The VA NROP contracted with the American Society for Radiation Oncology to commission 5 Blue Ribbon Panels for breast, lung, prostate, rectal, and head and neck cancers.

METHODS AND MATERIALS: The Breast Cancer Blue Ribbon Panel experts worked collaboratively with the NROP to develop consensus QMs for use throughout the VA system, establishing a set of QMs for patients in several areas, including consultation and work-up; simulation, treatment planning, and treatment; and follow-up care. As part of this initiative, consensus dose-volume histogram (DVH) constraints were outlined.

RESULTS: In total, 36 QMs were established. Herein, we review the process used to develop QMs and final consensus QMs pertaining to all aspects of radiation patient care, as well as DVH constraints.

CONCLUSIONS: The QMs and expert consensus DVH constraints are intended for ongoing quality surveillance within the VA system and centers providing community care for Veterans. They are also available for use by greater non-VA community measures of quality care for patients with breast cancer receiving radiation.

Author List

Puckett LL, Kodali D, Solanki AA, Park JH, Katsoulakis E, Kudner R, Kapoor R, Kujundzic K, Chapman CH, Hagan M, Kelly M, Palta J, Bazan JG, Dragun A, Fisher C, Haffty B, Nichols E, Shah C, Salehpour M, Dawes S, Wilson E, Buchholz TA

Author

Lindsay L. Puckett MD Assistant Professor in the Radiation Oncology department at Medical College of Wisconsin




MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Breast Neoplasms
Consensus
Humans
Male
Quality Indicators, Health Care
Radiation Oncology
United States
Veterans