Editorial: Patient safety in medical physics

Editorial: Patient safety in medical physics

George Starkschall , PhD Editor-in-Chief

Recent articles in US newspapers(1–4) have increased the awareness of the public to the potential dangers of incorrect delivery of medical radiation. In response, many of the leading organizations representing users of medical radiation have joined to identify and address the common issues that could substantially improve the safety and quality of the use of medical radiation. I have invited Dr Michael Herman, President of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine, to share with the JACMP readership some of the initiatives being placed forward to improve medical radiation safety. I trust our readership will find Dr Herman’s comments relevant and informative.

REFERENCES

1. Bogdanich W. Radiation offers new cures, and ways to do harm. The New York Times, January 23, 2010. Available from http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/24/health/24radiation.html

2. Bogdanich W. As technology surges, radiation safeguards lag. The New York Times, January 26, 2010. Available from http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/27/us/27radiation.html

3. Bogdanich W., Ruiz RR. Radiation errors reported in Missouri. The New York Times, February 24, 2010. Available from http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/25/us/25radiation.html

4. Bogdanich W. V.A. is fined over errors in radiation at hospital. The New York Times, March 17, 2010. Available from http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/18/health/policy/18radiation.html

May 15, 2010

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Journal of Applied Clinical Medical Physics , Vol. 11 , No. 2 , Spring 2010