Quality Indicators in Palliative Radiation Oncology: Development and Pilot Testing

Tetsuo Saito, MD, PhD; Naoto Shikama, MD, PhD; Takeo Takahashi, MD, PhD; Misako Miwa, MD, PhD; Kazunari Miyazawa, MD; Hitoshi Wada, MD, PhD; Naoki Nakamura, MD, PhD; Atsunori Yorozu, MD, PhD; Hisayasu Nagakura, MD; Mitsunori Miyashita, RN, PhD

Advances in Radiation Oncology (Mar 2022)

Quality Indicators in Palliative Radiation Oncology: Development and Pilot Testing

Tetsuo Saito, MD, PhD,
Naoto Shikama, MD, PhD,
Takeo Takahashi, MD, PhD,
Misako Miwa, MD, PhD,
Kazunari Miyazawa, MD,
Hitoshi Wada, MD, PhD,
Naoki Nakamura, MD, PhD,
Atsunori Yorozu, MD, PhD,
Hisayasu Nagakura, MD,
Mitsunori Miyashita, RN, PhD

Affiliations

Tetsuo Saito, MD, PhD: Department of Radiation Oncology, Arao Municipal Hospital, Kumamoto, Japan; Corresponding author.
Naoto Shikama, MD, PhD: Department of Radiology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
Takeo Takahashi, MD, PhD: Department of Radiation Oncology, Saitama Medical Center, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
Misako Miwa, MD, PhD: Department of Radiation Oncology, Sendai Kousei Hospital, Miyagi, Japan
Kazunari Miyazawa, MD: Department of Radiology, Showa General Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
Hitoshi Wada, MD, PhD: Department of Radiation Oncology, Southern TOHOKU Proton Therapy Center, Fukushima
Naoki Nakamura, MD, PhD: Department of Radiology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan
Atsunori Yorozu, MD, PhD: Department of Radiation Oncology, National Hospital Organization, Tokyo Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
Hisayasu Nagakura, MD: Department of Radiology, KKR Sapporo Medical Center, Sapporo, Japan
Mitsunori Miyashita, RN, PhD: Department of Palliative Nursing, Health Sciences, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Miyagi, Japan

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 7, no. 2
p. 100856

Abstract

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Purpose: A quality indicator (QI) is a valuable tool to evaluate the quality of health care systems. In palliative radiation oncology, only a few related QIs have been developed to date. In this study, we sought to develop and pilot test QIs that assess the quality of care in palliative radiation therapy. Methods and Materials: A modified Delphi method was used to establish consensus with an expert panel. The panel consisted of 8 radiation oncologists who have expertise in palliative radiation oncology and 1 expert on Delphi methodology. Online panel meetings and e-mail surveys were conducted to develop QIs on palliative radiation therapy for bone and brain metastases. Feasibility of measurement was assessed though pilot surveys that were conducted by radiation oncologists at 5 facilities. Results: After 3 online meetings and 2 e-mail surveys, we developed 4 QIs on bone metastases and 3 QIs on brain metastases. Two email surveys and 2 pilot surveys confirmed the validity of QIs and the feasibility of measurement, respectively. Conclusions: We developed valid and feasible QIs on palliative radiation therapy for bone and brain metastases. Our work may contribute to reduce the evidence–practice gaps in palliative radiation oncology.

Published in Advances in Radiation Oncology

ISSN: 2452-1094 (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: United States
LCC subjects: Medicine: Medicine (General): Medical physics. Medical radiology. Nuclear medicine; Medicine: Internal medicine: Neoplasms. Tumors. Oncology. Including cancer and carcinogens
Website: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/advances-in-radiation-oncology/

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