Consensus Quality Measures and Dose Constraints for Breast Cancer from the Veterans Affairs Radiation Oncology Quality Surveillance Program and American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Expert Panel. Journal Article

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Authors: Puckett, LL; Kodali, D; Solanki, A; 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
Article Title: Consensus Quality Measures and Dose Constraints for Breast Cancer from the Veterans Affairs Radiation Oncology Quality Surveillance Program and American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Expert Panel.
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Using evidence-based radiation therapy to direct care for patients with breast cancer is critical to standardizing practice, improving safety, and optimizing outcomes. To address this need, the Veterans Affairs (VA) National Radiation Oncology Program (NROP) established the VA Radiation Oncology Quality Surveillance Program (VAROQS) to develop clinical quality measures (QM). The VA NROP contracted with the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) to commission five Blue-Ribbon Panels for breast, lung, prostate, rectal, and head neck cancers. METHODS: The Breast Cancer Blue-Ribbon Panel experts worked collaboratively with NROP to develop consensus QM for use throughout the VA system. establishing a set of quality measures for patients in several areas including: 1) consultation and work up, 2) simulation, treatment planning and treatment, and 3) follow up care. As part of this initiative, consensus dose volume histogram (DVH) constraints were outlined. RESULTS: In total, 36 quality measures were established. Herein we review the process utilized to develop QM and final consensus QM pertaining to all aspects of radiation patient care as well as DVH constraints. CONCLUSIONS: The QM and expert consensus DVH constraints are intended for ongoing quality surveillance within the VA system, centers providing community care for Veterans, and also available for use by the greater non-VA community measures of quality care for breast cancer patients receiving radiation.
Journal Title: Practical radiation oncology
ISSN: 1879-8500
Publisher: Unknown  
Date Published: 2022