Training activity information
Details
Participate in correction of the dose output calibration of an external beam treatment machine
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
- Circumstances, tolerances and rationale behind recalibration
- Technical understanding of output calibration process
- Recommendations, guidance, roles and responsibilities surrounding calibration
- Calculations and recording of data
- Effect on the patients’ treatments
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 is the process for dose output calibration?
- What equipment is involved?
- What are the relevant quality assurance guidelines?
- What is the potential impact on the patient?
In action
- What measuring equipment are you using?
- What data are you observing and recording?
- What calculations or adjustments are being made based on the measurements?
- Are the dose output readings moving towards the required calibration?
- Are there any fluctuations or inconsistencies in the measurements?
- What immediate analysis are you performing on the data to understand the progress?
- If the initial adjustments do not yield the desired output, what other factors or potential errors are being investigated?
- Are you cross-referencing with previous calibration data or protocols?
On action
- What equipment or phantoms were used for the dose output calibration? What measurements were taken and how were they analysed? What was the process for making adjustments to the dose output? What level of precision was required?
- What did you learn about your understanding of dosimetry principles, calibration processes, and the importance of accurate dose delivery?
- How will this enhance your understanding of the importance of regular calibration checks? How will this change how you interpret dose output readings or reports? What further learning would be beneficial in the area of dosimetry and calibration?
Beyond action
- In what ways has this experience since informed your approach to checking or performing other dosimetry-related tasks?
- How has your understanding of dose output calibration since contributed to your practice, particularly in ensuring treatment accuracy?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 1 |
Outcome
Perform required measurements to establish whether a treatment machine is suitable for clinical use and apply corrective actions where required. |
| # 8 |
Outcome
Practice effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide safe, patient centred radiotherapy treatments. |