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Title: Human factors evaluation of remote afterloading brachytherapy. Volume 2, Function and task analysis

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/97039· OSTI ID:97039
; ; ;  [1]; ; ;  [2]; ;  [3]
  1. Pacific Science and Engineering Group, San Diego, CA (United States)
  2. University of California San Diego Medical Center, CA (United States). Div. of Radiation Oncology
  3. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC (United States). Div. of Systems Technology

A human factors project on the use of nuclear by-product material to treat cancer using remotely operated afterloaders was undertaken by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The purpose of the project was to identify factors that contribute to human error in the system for remote afterloading brachytherapy (RAB). This report documents the findings from the first phase of the project, which involved an extensive function and task analysis of RAB. This analysis identified the functions and tasks in RAB, made preliminary estimates of the likelihood of human error in each task, and determined the skills needed to perform each RAB task. The findings of the function and task analysis served as the foundation for the remainder of the project, which evaluated four major aspects of the RAB system linked to human error: human-system interfaces; procedures and practices; training and qualifications of RAB staff; and organizational practices and policies. At its completion, the project identified and prioritized areas for recommended NRC and industry attention based on all of the evaluations and analyses.

Research Organization:
US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), Washington, DC (United States). Div. of Systems Technology; Pacific Science and Engineering Group, San Diego, CA (United States); University of California San Diego Medical Center, CA (United States). Div. of Radiation Oncology
Sponsoring Organization:
Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC (United States)
OSTI ID:
97039
Report Number(s):
NUREG/CR-6125-Vol.2; ON: TI95012812; TRN: 95:019198
Resource Relation:
Other Information: PBD: May 1995
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English