Advancing Professionalism Through a Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Workshop in Radiation Oncology

Background: Integrating a practice-based curriculum to cover essential aspects of patient safety and quality improvement (PSQI) in the outpatient setting can improve resident understanding and engagement in future projects within a radiation oncology residency program. Objectives: To develop and pilot a workshop-based PSQI curriculum to lead residents through a simulated departmental quality improvement project and enhance understanding regarding tools and metrics used within a PSQI framework. Methods: This pilot project was completed in the 2023-2024 academic year, with 13 residents in one radiation oncology program. This educational program included four two-hour interactive PSQI workshops. Residents applied PSQI tools to a simulated scenario that reflected a department priority: to improve time from computed-tomography simulation to adaptive radiation therapy. Residents completed a 5-point Likert survey and an institutionally developed PSQI in-training exam before and after receiving the program to evaluate understanding of key concepts, measurement methodologies, strategies for improvement, and attitudes towards the adoption of PSQI in clinical practice. Results: The pilot workshop was successfully implemented during resident didactics. Although all thirteen residents were able to participate, eight (62%) residents completed all questionnaires. The curriculum led to improved comfort levels in applying PSQI techniques such as fishbone diagrams (pre-post mean Likert scores: 1.7 to 3.7, p< 0.01). PSQI in-training test scores significantly increased by 13% (57% to 70%, p<0.01). Conclusions: The development and implementation of a PSQI curriculum in radiation oncology was feasible, improved baseline knowledge of PSQI techniques, and enhanced participant self-reported preparedness and skills for future PSQI projects.