Program Information
Medical Physics Practice Guidelines
D Cody1*, J Fontenot2*, (1) U.T.M.D Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, (2) Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, Baton Rouge, LA
MO-C-Salon EF-2 Monday 1:30:00 PM - 3:30:00 PM Room: Salon EFRecently, the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) established a Medical Physics Practice Guidelines (MPPG) initiative to provide a clear and concise description of the minimum level of medical physics support that the AAPM would consider to be prudent in all clinical practice settings. As accreditation of clinical practices becomes more common, MPPGs will be crucial to ensuring a consistent benchmark for accreditation programs. MPPG reports will be freely available to the general public. Accrediting organizations, regulatory agencies and legislators will be encouraged to reference these MPPGs when defining their respective requirements. Support includes but is not limited to staffing, equipment, machine access, and training. This session will describe the purpose and scope of MPPGs, the procedure for the development of a MPPG, and reports from TG-226 MPPG Therapy #1 and TG-225 MPPG Diagnostic #1.
TG-226 MPPG Therapy #1 has completed their report, entitled ''Evaluation and quality assurance of x-ray based image guided radiotherapy system''. Sections of the TG-226 report include a review of image-guidance technologies, a description of the treatment team and their responsibilities in IGRT system use and management, and recommendations for minimum commissioning and quality assurance practices. Sample process descriptions, including equipment and methods, for recommended quality assurance practices are provided. Finally, staffing estimates and resource requirements needed for IGRT system management are provided.
TG-225 MPPG Diagnostic #1 has completed their report, entitled ''CT Protocol management and review''. Sections of the TG-225 MPPG Diagnostic #1report include a description of the CT protocol management and review process, team members and their responsibilities, and a general description of the overall CT protocol management and review process. Issues such as recommended review frequency, acquisition parameters to review, documentation of the review process, and refresher education for the CT protocol management and review team are addressed. This MPPG acknowledges that CT protocol management and review are essential to providing images with sufficient quality and ensuring patient safety. It also acknowledges that this process is very challenging and identifies areas for development, including improved tools from the CT manufacturers that are sorely needed in order to make this process more efficient.
Learning Objectives:
1. Understand the concept, scope, and process of MPPG from the AAPM
2. Understand the goals, methodology, and recommendations of TG-226 MPPG Therapy #1
3. Understand the goals, methodology, and recommendations of TG-225 MPPG Diagnostic #1
Speakers:
Jonas Fontenot, Chair of TG-226 MPPG Therapy #1
Dianna Cody, Chair of TG-225 MPPG Diagnostic #1
Contact Email