Training activity information
Details
Calibrate tertiary chambers and electrometers for MV photon and electron measurements
Type
Developmental training activity (DTA)
Evidence requirements
Evidence the activity has been undertaken by the trainee​.
Reflection on the activity at one or more time points after the event including learning from the activity and/or areas of the trainees practice for development.
An action plan to implement learning and/or to address skills or knowledge gaps identified.
Considerations
- Codes of practice
- Dosimetric chain
- Accuracy and reproducibility
- For example: Strontium checks
Reflective practice guidance
The guidance below is provided to support reflection at different time points, providing you with questions to aid you to reflect for this training activity. They are provided for guidance and should not be considered as a mandatory checklist. Trainees should not be expected to provide answers to each of the guidance questions listed.
Before action
- What are the standard protocols and procedures for calibrating tertiary chambers and electrometers in your department?
- What is the hierarchy of dosimetry standards? What is the process for calibrating field instruments against a reference instrument? What correction factors need to be applied during calibration?
- What safety precautions are necessary when working with tertiary chambers and electrometers?
- What are the relevant codes of practice and guidelines (both national and local) for this task?
In action
- During the calibration process, are you carefully following the standard operating procedures?
- Are you recording all relevant parameters and calculations accurately?
- If you encounter any discrepancies, how are you identifying and addressing the potential causes?
On action
- What steps did you take during the calibration process? What were the key factors to consider for accurate calibration?
- What did you learn about the importance of calibrated dosimetry equipment for radiotherapy? Were there any challenges encountered during the calibration?
- How will this experience enhance your understanding of quality assurance in radiotherapy dosimetry? What further training or information would you find helpful?
Beyond action
- Considering your later experiences, how important do you now recognise the accuracy of calibration to be in the overall radiotherapy process? Have you seen any consequences of poorly calibrated equipment (even indirectly)?
- How has your understanding of the traceability of measurements and the role of calibrated equipment evolved?
- How has your experience in calibration contributed to your responsibilities in maintaining accurate dosimetry within the department?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 3 |
Outcome
Apply appropriate guidance, regulations and codes of practice to ensure patient safety in all elements of practice. |