When it comes to cancer treatment, nothing is more important than safety. Patients and their loved ones deserve the peace of mind that comes from knowing their treatment is not only effective, but also meticulously designed and monitored to minimize risk. At Green Bay Oncology, we take radiation treatment safety seriously because your well-being is our top priority.
Ensuring Radiation Safety During Cancer Treatment
Many of the steps we take happen behind the scenes, carried out by our highly skilled team in collaboration with your medical oncology team. Our dedicated team of physicians, technicians, physicists, and radiation therapists works tirelessly to ensure that every patient receives the safest, most precise care possible. From rigorous quality assurance protocols to continuous monitoring and peer-reviewed treatment plans, we leave nothing to chance.
Radiation Equipment Safety: Rigorous Testing and Maintenance
Ensuring the precision and safety of our radiation equipment is foundational to effective cancer treatment. We prioritize rigorous quality assurance through:
- Radiation Equipment Quality Assurance and Testing: All therapy machines are inspected and certified, with specialized engineers performing preventative maintenance at least quarterly. Extensive daily, monthly, and annual tests are conducted to maintain high safety standards.
- Radiation Treatment Monitoring Systems: Monitoring systems are in place to control radiation doses and beam direction. These systems immediately shut off radiation if performance deviates from specifications, always ensuring patient safety.
Patient Safety Protocols: Comprehensive Checks and Reviews
The human element is just as critical as the technological aspect of radiation safety. Our team follows stringent protocols to ensure every patient receives safe, individualized care:
- Collaborative Treatment Plan Monitoring: Our team of physicians, technicians, and physicists performs safety checks throughout each patient’s care. These checks are tailored to each patient’s treatment plan for precise, personalized care.
- Peer Review Sessions (Chart Rounds): Radiation oncologists, treatment planners, physicists, and radiation therapists meet regularly to conduct peer reviews of treatment plans and patient charts.
- Safety Protocols for Treatment Administration: Patient identification, including name and photo, is verified daily before each treatment. All treatments are administered by at least two licensed radiation therapists, under the supervision of a senior therapist, radiation practice manager, and medical physicists.
- Continuous Monitoring During Treatment: Patients are continuously monitored by radiation therapists through both audio and visual systems during treatment sessions. Depending on the therapy type and the patient, a radiation physicist or nurse may also be present.
Commitment to Continuous Improvement
Our radiation oncology department also has a comprehensive Quality Assurance Program that reports to the hospital’s Quality Improvement Committee to ensure continuous improvement. This ongoing evaluation process ensures we remain at the forefront of radiation safety standards.
Your Safety is Our Priority
At Green Bay Oncology, patient safety and excellent care are our top priorities. We invite you to ask our team for more information on how we uphold our commitment to delivering high-quality patient care. Ensuring your safety during radiation treatment isn’t just a protocol for us; it’s a promise.
