Incident Learning Systems for Radiation Oncology: Development and Value at the Local, National and International Level.

AIMS

To discuss the background for incident reporting and learning systems, as well as the infrastructure and operational aspects to run them.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Information from peer-reviewed literature, online resources and the authors' experience synthesised into a concise understanding of the topic.

RESULTS

Incident learning systems can be local, national or international, each having the same basic goals but facilitating different audiences and environments. A key component of any reporting and learning system is timely and effective analysis of near-misses and incidents as well as feedback to the users of the system. It is important for staff to know that reports are acknowledged, analysed and acted upon. There is a need to comply with current European legislation and other national systems, which can be addressed together with the steps required for comprehensive management of an incident.

CONCLUSION

Reporting and learning from incidents and near-misses is a key component of quality and safety in radiotherapy. A major benefit of the national or international systems is the potential for a larger database of incidents, supporting wider analysis and comparison, and sharing of knowledge across a larger community.