An Ethical Framework to Guide Radiation Therapy Treatment Modification in a Crisis.

Abstract

Radiation oncology departments are uniquely vulnerable to disruptions such as cyberattacks, pandemics, and natural disasters, which can result in unacceptable treatment delays. Using the National Academy of Medicine Crisis Standards of Care framework and lessons learned from the University of Vermont Medical Center cyberattack, an ethical framework is proposed to guide decision making in radiation oncology during a crisis.