Overview

Radiation oncology treatment errors can have serious consequences and costly ramifications. Our MERP software – the first specifically designed for reducing errors in radiation oncology – will enable you to minimize overall risk and improve patient safety, increase facility credibility and enhance performance improvement. MERP provides a practical solution for managing errors.

Entry of Errors

MERP walks you thru entry of errors. The type, category, subcategory, and attribute of each error can be selected from a predefined template or created on the fly. Errors reference standards (ACR, ACRO, ASTRO, IAEA, etc.) for correctness. Overall risk (RPN) is assigned each error. Action plans are based on collective significance.

Dose Wizard

In instances where errors result in differences between prescribed vs administered doses, MERP offers a dose analysis wizard. Percent differences in daily, weekly, and total doses are calculated. Trigger levels are preconfigured. Based on outcome, sentinel event (The Joint Commission) and medical event (state) reports may be generated.

RCA/Stats/Rpts

MERP provides a framework for a root cause analysis (RCA) and action plan in response to a sentinel event, “near miss”, or opportunity for improvement. The RCA benchmarks Joint Commission standards. The database can be queried for analysis and report generation. Error rates can be calculated and reports created for various treatment methods.

Chart Analysis

Pie and bar charts are generated in MERP. Errors can be sorted based on time interval, treatment status, patients affected, and QA/radiation safety issues. Comparisons can be made between error categories and significance over various periods of time.

Tasks

Errors are routed for review and approval by designated staff, management, or physicians. Clicking on errors displays details and action plans. Color coding defines timeliness. Based on disposition, errors are either routed to the next reviewer or sent back for editing and resubmission. A status history follows each routing for approval.

Tutorials/Admin

When errors are identified in MERP, action plans often require new or revised policies and procedures. MERP organizes these documents into a logical library of clinical process. This database serves as a tutorial for refresher or new employee training. Also, lessons learned and safety alerts can be broadcast on user workstations.

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COMPARE & VALIDATE EXPECTATIONS

MERP helps facilitate a safety culture where greater attention is directed at confirming that detailed processes are performed correctly by referencing various standards, recommendations, and regulations.

MERP provides a methodology to measure performance against benchmark standards of practice.

DECREASE COSTS & INEFFICIENCIES

Radiation oncology is an exceedingly complicated system where accidents happen. Any single error, combination, and propagation of errors in radiation oncology can negatively impact patient outcomes.  An error reduction program helps institutions minimize risk to patients and health care workers.

MERP is a medical error reduction software program specifically designed to help minimize errors, improve performance, reduce cost, lessen liability, decrease regulatory infractions, and positively contribute to patient outcomes in the radiation oncology treatment delivery process. 

TRANSFORM  YOUR PATIENT SAFETY 

Ineffective error management can lead to reduced quality, increased inefficiency, and increased legal and/or regulatory liabilities.

MERP is a powerful tool for implementing proactive risk reduction through error analysis and action plans. MERP facilitates a comprehensive approach to improving patient safety through the reduction of preventable systems-related errors.