AAPM ePoster Library

Novalis Certification of Stereotactic Radiosurgery and Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy Programs: First Canadian Institutional Experience
AAPM ePoster Library. Yewondwossen M. 07/12/20; 301720; PO-GeP-P-14 Topic: Compliance and Quality Management
Dr. Mammo Yewondwossen
Dr. Mammo Yewondwossen
Contributions
Abstract
Poster Number: PO-GeP-P-14
Abstract ID: 51657

Novalis Certification of Stereotactic Radiosurgery and Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy Programs: First Canadian Institutional Experience

C Summers, D Carol-anne, L Mulroy, G Pickett, L Ward, S Cwajna, L Eastham, M Yewondwossen*, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NSCA,

Professional General ePoster

Category: Professional:Compliance and Quality Management

Purpose: Advances in radiotherapy technology have allowed increased precision and have led to an expansion of indications for high dose-per-fraction stereotactic delivery. Implementation of a cranial or body stereotactic program requires adherence to the most stringent levels of safety and quality. The Novalis Certification Program is the only program in the world dedicated to providing a comprehensive and independent assessment of safety and quality in SRS and SBRT. In this work we describe our institutional experience while going through the Novalis Certification Program.

Methods: The Novalis Certification is an independent review of SRS and SBRT program structure, adequacy of personnel resources and training, appropriateness and use of technology, program quality management, patient-specific quality assurance and equipment quality control. Centers applying for Novalis Certification complete a self-study prior to an on-site visit by reviewer. In order to assess our center’s current SRS and SBRT programs and complete the Novalis Certification self-study, a multi-disciplinary working group comprised of radiation oncologists, neurosurgeon, nurse, medical physicists, medical dosimetrist and radiation therapists was formed. The team updated or created treatment protocols, evaluated the quality management structure and quality assurance methods.

Results: Although to date 53 institutions have received Novalis Certification, we report on the first Canadian experience. The self-study is comprehensive, covering staffing levels, training, definition of clinical protocols, and the quality management program as specific to stereotactic programs. Completion of this process has augmented both the safety and quality of our SRS and SBRT programs overall.

Conclusion: The Nova Scotia Health Authority Cancer Care Program in Halifax is the first Canadian program to undergo Novalis Certification. This has been a catalyst for our center in defining all clinical protocols and in improving safety and quality of SRS and SBRT programs.

Taxonomy:

Keywords:
Poster Number: PO-GeP-P-14
Abstract ID: 51657

Novalis Certification of Stereotactic Radiosurgery and Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy Programs: First Canadian Institutional Experience

C Summers, D Carol-anne, L Mulroy, G Pickett, L Ward, S Cwajna, L Eastham, M Yewondwossen*, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NSCA,

Professional General ePoster

Category: Professional:Compliance and Quality Management

Purpose: Advances in radiotherapy technology have allowed increased precision and have led to an expansion of indications for high dose-per-fraction stereotactic delivery. Implementation of a cranial or body stereotactic program requires adherence to the most stringent levels of safety and quality. The Novalis Certification Program is the only program in the world dedicated to providing a comprehensive and independent assessment of safety and quality in SRS and SBRT. In this work we describe our institutional experience while going through the Novalis Certification Program.

Methods: The Novalis Certification is an independent review of SRS and SBRT program structure, adequacy of personnel resources and training, appropriateness and use of technology, program quality management, patient-specific quality assurance and equipment quality control. Centers applying for Novalis Certification complete a self-study prior to an on-site visit by reviewer. In order to assess our center’s current SRS and SBRT programs and complete the Novalis Certification self-study, a multi-disciplinary working group comprised of radiation oncologists, neurosurgeon, nurse, medical physicists, medical dosimetrist and radiation therapists was formed. The team updated or created treatment protocols, evaluated the quality management structure and quality assurance methods.

Results: Although to date 53 institutions have received Novalis Certification, we report on the first Canadian experience. The self-study is comprehensive, covering staffing levels, training, definition of clinical protocols, and the quality management program as specific to stereotactic programs. Completion of this process has augmented both the safety and quality of our SRS and SBRT programs overall.

Conclusion: The Nova Scotia Health Authority Cancer Care Program in Halifax is the first Canadian program to undergo Novalis Certification. This has been a catalyst for our center in defining all clinical protocols and in improving safety and quality of SRS and SBRT programs.

Taxonomy:

Keywords:

By clicking “Accept Terms & all Cookies” or by continuing to browse, you agree to the storing of third-party cookies on your device to enhance your user experience and agree to the user terms and conditions of this learning management system (LMS).

Cookie Settings
Accept Terms & all Cookies