We analyzed the terminology and classification related to the risk management of radiation treatment overseas to establish the terminology and classification system for Korea. This study investigated the terminology and classification for radiotherapy risk management through overseas research materials from related organizations and associations, including the IAEA, WHO, British group, EC, and AAPM. Overseas risk management commonly uses the terms “near miss”, “incident”, and “adverse event”, classified according to the degree of severity. However, several organizations have ambiguous terminologies. They use the term “near miss” for events such as a near event, close call, and good catch; the term “incident” for an event; and the term “adverse event” for the likes of an accident and an event. In addition, different organizations use different classifications: a “near miss” is generally classified as “incident” in most cases but not classified as such in BIR et al. Confusion might also be caused by the disunity of the terminology and classification, and by the ambiguity of definitions. Patient safety management of medical institutions in Korea uses the terms “near miss”, “adverse event”, and “sentinel event”, which it classifies into eight levels according to the severity of risk to the patient. Therefore, the terminology and classification for radiotherapy risk management based on the patient safety management of medical institutions in Korea will help in improving the safety and quality of radiotherapy.

KeywordsRadiotherapy, Risk management, Patient safety, Incident, Accident