Feasibility study of using statistical process control to optimize quality assurance in radiotherapy

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate and improve the quality and the reliability of pre‐treatment quality controls of an efficient technique of radiotherapy called IMRT (intensity‐modulated radiation therapy). The aim is then to determine if the controls can be safely reduced while keeping an optimal level of quality.

Design/methodology/approach

The statistical process control method (SPC) was applied to quality assurance in IMRT. In order to characterize prostate and head‐and‐neck treatment process variability, individual value control charts and moving‐range control charts were established.

Findings

Control charts showed that prostate and head‐and‐neck treatment processes are only subject to random causes of variability, which means they are statistically controlled. It was proved that both processes are statistically stable and capable.

Originality/value

The paper shows that SPC is an efficient method to objectively determine if quality controls can be reduced.

Citation

Gerard, K., Grandhaye, J., Marchesi, V., Aletti, P., Husson, F., Noel, A. and Kafrouni, H. (2009), "Feasibility study of using statistical process control to optimize quality assurance in radiotherapy", Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering, Vol. 15 No. 4, pp. 331-343. https://doi.org/10.1108/13552510910997715