Competency in Quality: Defining the Scope and Nature of Quality Competencies for Radiation Oncology Residency Programs

Abstract Introduction Quality and safety in radiation treatment have garnered increasing attention in recent years. With the introduction of the CanMEDS 2015 Physician Competency Framework, incorporation of patient safety and quality improvement will be required across all seven established physician roles for radiation oncology residents. An appreciation for the competency areas relevant to radiation oncologists (ROs) in the quality and safety domain is thus needed to inform training in this area. Methods Semistructured interprofessional focus groups were held with ROs, medical physicists, and radiation therapists to ascertain the scope of quality principles required of newly certified ROs, to identify current teaching best practices, and to define required competencies in this area. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and data analyzed iteratively and coded using a constant comparison method. Results Three focus groups were held with 20 participants overall, and an average duration of 68 minutes (range 47–81 minutes). Participants found it difficult to define quality but noted that for residents it might encompass competencies in peer review, incident and change management, and quality culture. Although addressed in various ways in current residency programs, it was thought that explicit acknowledgment of relevant "nonmedical expert" quality competencies would ensure adequate attention in residency. Conclusions Quality and safety are important concepts in radiation oncology, warranting attention in residency training to develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviour necessary in practice.