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Analysis of an inter-centre, web-based radiation oncology peer-review case conference

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 March 2015

Chamunyonga Crispen ,
Osama M. Kellini  and
Milind Kumar
Chamunyonga Crispen*
Affiliation:
The Cancer Centre, Nassau, Bahamas
Osama M. Kellini
Affiliation:
The Cancer Centre, Nassau, Bahamas
Milind Kumar
Affiliation:
Southern Medical Clinic, Radiation Oncology Department, Trinidad and Tobago
*
Correspondence to: Crispen Chamunyonga, The Cancer Centre Bahamas, 72 Collins Avenue, Nassau, Bahamas. Tel: +1242 5029610. Fax: +1242 5029619. E-mail: crischams@yahoo.com
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Abstract

Purpose

Peer-review programmes in radiation oncology are used to facilitate the process and evaluation of clinical decision-making. However, web-based peer-review methods are still uncommon. This study analysed an inter-centre, web-based peer-review case conference as a method of facilitating the decision-making process in radiation oncology.

Methodology

A benchmark form was designed based on the American Society for Radiation Oncology targets for radiation oncology peer review. This was used for evaluating the contents of the peer-review case presentations on 40 cases, selected from three participating radiation oncology centres. A scoring system was used for comparison of data, and a survey was conducted to analyse the experiences of radiation oncology professionals who attended the web-based peer-review meetings in order to identify priorities for improvement.

Results

The mean scores for the evaluations were 82·7, 84·5, 86·3 and 87·3% for cervical, prostate, breast and head and neck presentations, respectively. The survey showed that radiation oncology professionals were confident about the role of web-based peer-reviews in facilitating sharing of good practice, stimulating professionalism and promoting professional growth. The participants were satisfied with the quality of the audio and visual aspects of the web-based meeting.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that simple inter-centre web-based peer-review case conferences are a feasible technique for peer review in radiation oncology. Limitations such as data security and confidentiality can be overcome by the use of appropriate structure and technology. To drive the issues of quality and safety a step further, small radiotherapy departments may need to consider web-based peer-review case conference as part of their routine quality assurance practices.

Keywords

decision-makingpeer reviewquality and safetyradiation oncology
Type
Original Articles
Information
Journal of Radiotherapy in Practice , Volume 14 , Issue 2 , June 2015 , pp. 135 - 142
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Copyright
© Cambridge University Press 2015 

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