Compliance With Interventional Oncology Accreditation Standards Among Interventional Radiologists

In this interview with IO Learning, Murat Dökdök, MD, Anadolu Medical Center, Kocaeli, Turkey, discusses interventional oncology accreditation standards and the need for multidisciplinary collaboration, training, and compliance to create a sound and repeatable clinic structure.

IO Learning: What was the rationale for your study evaluating interventional radiologists' compliance with patient care and the quality management process for cancer patients?

Dr Murat Dökdök: The ultimate core purpose of such a study is to ensure that cancer patients receive the highest possible quality of care from interventional radiologists. Nevertheless, first, we liked to measure the readiness of interventional radiologists to comply with established standards and processes before starting this journey.

IO Learning: Could you elaborate on the potential reasons for the correlation you found between increased years of experience in interventional radiology (IR) and higher compliance with International Accreditation System for Interventional Oncology Services (IASIOS) criteria?

Dr Murat Dökdök: Professionals with more years of experience often have a deeper understanding of the field and a broader range of skills, as expected. As such, they may have had the opportunity to mentor and train others, while it could take some years and needs to be closely supervised. An accreditation system, like the IASIOS, can reinforce the importance of adhering to guidelines and help pass down best practices for everyone.

IO Learning: Could you expand on how the framework outlined in this commentary could improve self-awareness of IR professionals and ultimately enhance compliance with interventional oncology accreditation standards?

Dr Murat Dökdök: Considering the vast diversity even in Western medicine, a well-designed framework for interventional radiologists with distinct territorial practices can serve as a valuable tool to improve self-awareness and enhance compliance with interventional oncology accreditation standards.

By promoting self-assessment, education, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous improvement, such a framework can help practitioners deliver high-quality care while maintaining awareness of their practice's alignment with established standards.

IO Learning: How can the global standardization of IO practices contribute to improved patient care and quality outcomes on an international scale?

Dr Murat Dökdök: The global standardization of IO practices can significantly improve patient care and quality outcomes internationally by promoting consistency, safety, efficiency, research, education, collaboration, and even cost control. It aligns healthcare systems and professionals around a standard set of best practices, ultimately benefiting patients by ensuring they receive the highest standard of care, regardless of their location.

IO Learning: What were the primary challenges in implementing IO quality assurance standards in a country such as Turkey, where IR has not officially been accepted as a subspecialty, and how did the implementation of Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe (CIRSE) curricula assist in this process?

Dr Murat Dökdök: IR may have yet to be officially recognized as a subspecialty in Turkey; however, it is not a complete lack of recognition. Implementing quality assurance standards in IR in such an ambiguous position of recognition can present challenges such as varying practices and inadequate education and training. Therefore, adopting curricula and standards from respected international organizations like CIRSE is crucial in this process.

IO Learning: Your article is the first survey investigating the compliance of interventional radiologists with IO services for accreditation. Why did you feel it was important to evaluate this topic, and what implications could these findings have for the wider IO community?

Dr Murat Dökdök: Our primary goal for surveying compliance with accreditation standards is to assess the quality of care provided in the field of IO beforehand. Besides, it can help establish benchmarks for IO practices. By comparing compliance levels across institutions or regions, the IO community can identify best practices and areas where improvement is needed. This information can inform the development of guidelines and educational initiatives. The implications of such findings may extend beyond individual institutions or regions. The findings can contribute to international efforts to enhance the quality of IO care as a global impact.

IO Learning: How might your study assist other countries or regions to develop standardized approaches to IO, particularly in the absence of formal subspecialty recognition?

Dr Murat Dökdök: IO accreditation standards can be vital in shaping international efforts to measure and improve the quality of IO care in many countries. However, developing standards, guidelines, education, and research takes an international collaboration that benefits patients and healthcare providers worldwide, ultimately promoting better outcomes for cancer patients.

IO Learning: How does the ratio of IO to daily workload found in your study highlight the importance of specialized training in oncological interventions?

Dr Murat Dökdök: As in other fields of medicine, experience, accompanied by specialized training in oncological interventions, seems a critical factor in ensuring compliance with accreditation standards and delivering high-quality care to cancer patients. Specialized training equips healthcare providers with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of IO, promote patient safety, and continuously improve the quality of care in interventional oncology.

IO Learning: What were some of the most and least agreed-upon points within the IASIOS core criteria among interventional radiologists?

Dr Murat Dökdök: The highest agreement was on obtaining consent forms indicating possible changes during treatment, followed by the radiation sources and radioactive material devices with appropriate registrations and licenses. The lowest agreement was on the management meetings held and recorded regularly in the institution. This was followed by agreement on a time-out or CIRSE checklist form before interventions. Although these differences are not statistically significant, one can infer that IRs follow the regulations' demand but are not keen on placing meetings and filling out paper-works.

IO Learning: How could a dedicated accreditation program for IO, covering all aspects of organization, enhance patient care and quality outcomes in the complex landscape of cancer treatment?

Dr Murat Dökdök: A dedicated accreditation program for interventional oncology encompassing all organization aspects can significantly enhance patient care and quality outcomes. By setting and maintaining high standards, promoting transparency, fostering collaboration, and encouraging ongoing education and innovation, such a program can contribute to improved outcomes and a better overall experience for cancer patients. Besides, it may provide public trust and confidence as facilities that achieve accreditation demonstrate their commitment to quality care.

IO Learning: Could you delve into the potential reasons for areas of lower compliance, such as the time-out form, and how addressing these issues could improve safety and outcomes in IO?

Dr Murat Dökdök: Healthcare providers may become complacent and less diligent in following established checklists and safety protocols due to lack of awareness, time, documentation burden, resistance to change, etc. They might perceive routine tasks as less critical, leading to lower compliance rates. To combat complacency, ongoing education and training programs, and regulations can emphasize the importance of every step in the checklist, even if it seems routine. Reinforcing the significance of each action and regulations can help maintain compliance.

IO Learning: Does the success of the IASIOS framework in IO contribute to the broader interventional radiology field? Is there potential for similar international frameworks to enhance standardization in other areas of interventional radiology?

Dr Murat Dökdök: The success of the IASIOS framework in interventional oncology has the potential to positively impact the broader interventional radiology field by promoting quality, education, research, and collaboration. It sets a precedent for the development of international frameworks and accreditation programs in other areas of interventional radiology, enhancing standardization and elevating the overall quality of care in the field. These efforts ultimately benefit healthcare providers and, most importantly, their patients.

IO Learning: How might interventional radiologists worldwide adapt to criteria, such as the IASIOS frameworks, to not only standardize interventions but also evolve with the ever-changing landscape of interventional oncology?

Dr Murat Dökdök: Interventional radiologists worldwide can adapt to criteria like IASIOS and evolving interventional oncology standards by prioritizing education, collaboration, research, quality improvement, and patient-centered care. This approach standardizes interventions and ensures that practitioners are well-equipped to navigate the ever-changing landscape of interventional oncology, delivering the best possible care to patients facing cancer diagnoses.

IO Learning: What tips would you off to IO professionals to help further the standardization process or highlight this issue in the future?

Dr Murat Dökdök: To help further the standardization process and bring the issue of standardization in interventional oncology (IO) into the limelight, IO professionals can take several proactive steps, such as engaging in professional organizations, participating in accreditation programs, and advocating for policy change. Together, we can contribute to the advancement and recognition of IO as a vital subspecialty in cancer treatment.

IO Learning: Are there any other additional concepts related to IO accreditation standards you would like to address?

Dr Murat Dökdök: We should recognize that continuous adaptation is the key; the field of interventional oncology is super dynamic. New therapies, procedures, and research findings are continually emerging. It is necessary to be open to adapting our practice and embracing change as it aligns with our patients' best interests.

Source:

Dökdök M, Ballı H. Compliance of interventional radiologists with interventional oncology accreditation standards. Cureus. 15(7):e42608. doi:10.7759/cureus.42609