title: The implementation and assessment of a quality and safety culture education program in a large radiation oncology department.
abstract: In 2010, the American Society for Radiation Oncology launched a national campaign to improve patient safety in radiation therapy. One recommendation included the expansion of educational programs dedicated to quality and safety. We subsequently implemented a quality and safety culture education program (Q-SCEP) in our large radiation oncology department. The purpose of this study is to describe the design, implementation, and impact of this Q-SCEP.
  
  
  METHODS
  In 2010, we instituted a comprehensive Q-SCEP, consisting of a longitudinal series of lectures, meetings, and interactive workshops. Participation was mandatory for all department members across all network locations. Electronic surveys were administered to assess employee engagement, knowledge retention, preferred learning styles, and the program's overall impact. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Survey on Patient Safety Culture was administered. Analysis of variance was used for statistical analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Between 2010 and 2015, 100% of targeted staff participated in Q-SCEP. Thirty-three percent (132 of 400) and 30% (136 of 450) responded to surveys in 2012 and 2014, respectively. Mean scores improved from 73% to 89% (P < .001), with the largest improvement seen among therapists (+21.7%). The majority strongly agreed that safety culture education was critical to performing their jobs well.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Full course compliance was achieved despite the sizable number of personnel and treatment centers. Periodic assessments demonstrated high knowledge retention, which significantly improved over time in nearly all department divisions. Additionally, our AHRQ patient safety grade remains high and continues to improve. These results will be used to further enhance ongoing internal safety initiatives and to inform future innovative efforts.
authors: Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
authors: Kristina D
authors: KD
authors: Woodhouse
authors: Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
authors: Edna
authors: E
authors: Volz
authors: Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
authors: Marc
authors: M
authors: Bellerive
authors: Bergendahl Institute, LLC, Avon Lake, Ohio.
authors: Howard W
authors: HW
authors: Bergendahl
authors: Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
authors: Peter E
authors: PE
authors: Gabriel
authors: Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
authors: Amit
authors: A
authors: Maity
authors: Division of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
authors: Stephen M
authors: SM
authors: Hahn
authors: Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Electronic address: Neha.Vapiwala@uphs.upenn.edu.
authors: Neha
authors: N
authors: Vapiwala
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D061214:Patient Safety / Q000592:standards*; D018787:Radiation Oncology / Q000193:education* / Q000592:standards*; D017751:Safety Management / Q000592:standards*