title: A template for writing radiotherapy protocols.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Well-specified and unambiguous treatment protocols are essential both for current practice and for the future development of radiation therapy. In order to provide assistance for writing good protocols, irrespective of treatment intention and complexity, up-to-date guidelines are highly desirable.
  
  
  METHODS
  We have analysed the radiotherapy work-flow, including clinical and physical aspects, such as preparatory imaging, treatment planning, delivery and evaluation, with the aim to outline a consistent framework covering the entire radiotherapy process.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Based on the analysis, a recipe-style template for specifying the description of the radiotherapy process has been designed. The template is written in a general format, which allows for modified phrasing, and should be customised for the specific clinical situation and diagnosis, as well as facility resources.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The template can be used as a tool to ensure a consistent and comprehensive description of the radiotherapy section of clinical guidelines, care programmes and clinical trial protocols.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oncology and Radiation Physics, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University , Lund , Sweden.
authors.forename: Per
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Nilsson
authors.forename: Crister
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ceberg
authors.forename: Elisabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kjellén
authors.forename: Giovanna
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gagliardi
authors.forename: Klas
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Blomgren
authors.forename: Sten
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nilsson
authors.forename: Mikael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Johansson
authors.forename: Bengt
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Glimelius
mesh_terms: D002985:Clinical Protocols / Q000592:standards*; D019983:Guideline Adherence / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D058958:Organs at Risk; D056888:Patient Positioning; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic / Q000592:standards*; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000592:standards*; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D011880:Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted; D012015:Reference Standards; D014956:Writing