ASTRO launches online practice quality improvement project

The American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology launched its Performance Assessment for the Advancement of Radiation Oncology Treatment (PAAROT) program on April 1 as a way for ASTRO members to satisfy the American Board of Radiology's Maintenance of Certification program requirements.

PAAROT was fully qualified as meeting the ABR's criteria for a Type-2 Practice Quality Improvement project in October 2007, and will allow participating physicians to analyze their strengths and areas that need improvement, as well as receive feedback on where specific changes can be made in their practices - all online. A practice inventory will then be compiled from which participants will select a minimum of one area to improve upon, which will be the focus of their PQI project.

Radiation oncologists are required to complete three PQI projects during a 10-year period to satisfy the Part IV requirements of the ABR-MOC program. At least one of the three PQI projects must be a Type-2 project, such as the PAAROT program. These courses are only required for radiation oncologists with time-limited certificates that were first issued by the ABR in 1995. However, all practicing radiation oncologists are encouraged to participate in MOC.

"PAAROT will be a very convenient way for ASTRO members to complete their Maintenance of Certification requirements and continue their education in the ever-evolving field of radiation oncology," said Laura I. Thevenot, ASTRO's Chief Executive Officer. "At ASTRO we are committed to providing our members with the tools they need to provide their radiation therapy patients with the best possible care."

PAAROT is available free to ASTRO members through December 31, 2008.

ASTRO is the largest radiation oncology society in the world, with more than 9,000 members who specialize in treating patients with radiation therapies. As the leading organization in radiation oncology, biology and physics, the Society is dedicated to improving patient care through education, clinical practice, advancement of science and advocacy.