Improving Immobilization Device Storage

摘要

Because radiation treatments have become increasingly conformal, more restrictive immobilization devices are required to achieve the most reproducible setup. The radiation oncology department at University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics has recently experienced an increased need for BodyFIX vacuum cushions (Elekta). These devices are used for most patients receiving treatment to the chest or abdomen, a procedure in which breathing motion is a concern during treatment. Although these devices are useful for patient immobilization, storing them can be a challenge. To better understand the problem and to find storage solutions, radiation therapy staff at University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics completed a quality improvement project following the FOCUS-PDCA methodology. The key steps for FOCUS-PDCA are: 1. Find an opportunity for improvement. 2. Organize a team to investigate the opportunity. 3. Clarify the current process. 4. Understand the reasons a process is not working. 5. Select a solution for improvement. 6. Plan how to implement the improvement. 7. Do the improvement. 8. Check the results of the improvement. 9. Act to create in the process a strategy for maintaining the improvement.