International Journal of Research in Oncology
Open AccessAudit of Selected Treatment Charts Review in A Mid-Income Radiotherapy Facility
Authors: Akinlade Bidemi I, Udo Imaobong E, Adedewe Nusirat A, Abe Adebayo A, Ariyo Inioluwa D, Adeneye Samuel O, Entonu Sylvester O, Sowunmi Anthonia C, Habeebu Muhammed YM.
Abstract
In cancer management, where precision and consistency are critical, systematic treatment chart review, a key player in quality assurance, contributes significantly to maintaining treatment integrity and patient safety. This study aimed to analyze treatment chart review of some patients, managed with external beam radiotherapy at MEDSERVE-LUTH cancer centre, Lagos between January – August, 2025. Relevant data were extracted from 100 patients’ treatment records and descriptive statistics were used for analysis. In all, the predominant site of treatment was pelvis (50%) followed by the breast (30%) and the treatment intent comprised both curative and palliative. The fractionation regimen ranged from conventional 2 Gy, to hypo-hypofractionation (>2Gy) and single fraction of very high dose. The treatment planning techniques comprised 3D CRT, IMRT and VMAT. The prevalence gender was female patients (57% Vs 43%) and the median age of all patients was between 51 – 60 years. In all, 85% of the planned treatment were delivered within the stipulated period, while 15% did not due to patients’ specific factors, because there was no record of machine break down to warrant treatment interruption. This study validated the compliance of the centre with standard (patient-centred) radiotherapy practices obtainable in developed countries. Routine treatment charts review should be encouraged in all radiotherapy centres in Nigeria to ensure that patients, who miss scheduled treatments are promptly contacted to ascertain reasons for their absence. Supportive measure can then be implemented where necessary. This approach will significantly reduce patient-related treatment interruption.
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