APEx Related Links
About APEx
Overview
The APEx Program uses standards of performance and evidence indicators derived from white papers and consensus guidance for radiation oncology, including Safety is No Accident and AAPM reports. APEx Standards identify systematic quality and safety approaches that build on a regulatory framework, including those from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, to add value for practitioners and patients. Visit APEx and Physicists to learn more about how APEx can help physicists enhance their current systems and processes.
The APEx process offers a transparent, measurable and consensus-based evaluation of a radiation oncology practice's adherence to safety and quality standards. It begins with an internal self-assessment, enabling facility staff to gauge their compliance with APEx Standards before the facility visit. The practice then proceeds to the facility visit. During the in-person or virtual visit, APEx Surveyors conduct an objective review, assessing the practice's quality and safety based on demonstrated compliance with APEx Standards.
 "We benefited from the feedback received from the robust peer review implemented as part of APEx for clinicians, physicists, dosimetrists and therapists. In the end, the APEx journey was a rewarding process and I honestly believe this enhances the safety and quality of care provided to our patients." — Raj Varadhan, PhD |
How does APEx help.....
Facilities?
- Develops processes to assess and update practice policies and procedures.
- Provides external validation of practice quality.
- Strengthens quality management system.
- Presents the ability to leverage APEx Standards to improve the practice.
- Assesses appropriate staffing levels.
- Increases standardized documentation during consultations and management of patients, reducing assumptions and the possibility of errors.
- Promotes peer review between physicians.
- Presents ability to leverage APEx to improve the safety processes.
- Performs an external review of QA processes.
- Reinforces consistent DICOM transfer.
- Streamlines and standardizes processes.
- Introduces dosimetry peer review.
- Introduces therapist peer review.
- Confirms accurate and consistent time out process.
 "APEx is a far more comprehensive, rigorous and radiation therapy-specific than any other accreditation program out there." — Suneel Nagda, MD |
