A Review of Healthcare Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (HFMEA) in Radiotherapy : Health Physics

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A Review of Healthcare Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (HFMEA) in Radiotherapy

Giardina, M.; Cantone, M.C.; Tomarchio, E.; Veronese, I.

Author Information

*Department of Energy, Information Engineering and Mathematical Models (DEIM), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Edificio 6, 90128 Palermo, Italy; †Università degli Studi di Milano, Scienze Biomediche, Chirurgiche e Odontoiatriche, and INFN, Sezione di Milano, Via Pascal 36, 20133 Milano, Italy; ‡Università degli Studi di Milano, Dipartimento di Fisica, and INFN, Sezione di Milano, Via Celoria 16, 20133, Milano, Italy.

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

For correspondence contact: Mariarosa Giardina, Department of Energy, Information Engineering and Mathematical Models, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Edificio 6, 90128 Palermo, Italy, or email at [email protected].

(Manuscript accepted 4 April 2016)

Health Physics 111(4):p 317-326, October 2016. | DOI: 10.1097/HP.0000000000000536

Abstract

This paper presents a review of risk analyses in radiotherapy (RT) processes carried out by using Healthcare Failure Mode Effect Analysis (HFMEA) methodology, a qualitative method that proactively identifies risks to patients and corrects medical errors before they occur. This literature review was performed to provide an overview of how to approach the development of HFMEA applications in modern RT procedures, comparing recently published research conducted to support proactive programs to identify risks. On the basis of the reviewed literature, the paper suggests HFMEA shortcomings that need to be addressed.

© 2016 by the Health Physics Society

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