PD IEC TR 63183:2019 - Guidance on Error and Warning Messages for Software Used in Radiotherapy

Standard Number: PD IEC TR 63183:2019

Pages: 28

Released: January 3, 2020

ISBN: 978 0 580 99921 5

Status: Standard

Overview

In the ever-evolving field of radiotherapy, precision and accuracy are paramount. The PD IEC TR 63183:2019 standard provides essential guidance on crafting effective error and warning messages for software used in radiotherapy. This document is a crucial resource for developers, engineers, and healthcare professionals who are involved in the design and implementation of radiotherapy software systems.

Why This Standard Matters

Radiotherapy is a critical component of cancer treatment, and the software used in this field must operate with the highest level of reliability and safety. Errors or miscommunications in software can lead to significant consequences, including incorrect dosage delivery or treatment interruptions. The PD IEC TR 63183:2019 standard addresses these concerns by providing comprehensive guidelines for error and warning message design, ensuring that they are clear, concise, and actionable.

Key Features

• Comprehensive Guidance: This standard offers detailed instructions on how to create error and warning messages that are easily understood by users, reducing the risk of misinterpretation.
• Focus on User Safety: By emphasizing clarity and precision, the standard helps to enhance user safety and improve the overall effectiveness of radiotherapy treatments.
• Applicable to Various Software Systems: Whether you are developing new software or updating existing systems, this standard provides valuable insights that can be applied across different platforms and technologies.

Benefits of Implementing This Standard

Implementing the guidelines outlined in the PD IEC TR 63183:2019 standard can lead to numerous benefits, including:

• Improved Communication: Clear and effective error and warning messages facilitate better communication between the software and its users, leading to more efficient problem resolution.
• Enhanced Patient Safety: By minimizing the risk of errors, this standard contributes to safer treatment environments and better patient outcomes.
• Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to established standards can help organizations meet regulatory requirements and avoid potential legal issues.

Who Should Use This Standard?

This standard is designed for a wide range of professionals involved in the development and use of radiotherapy software, including:

• Software Developers: Gain insights into best practices for designing error and warning messages that enhance user experience and safety.
• Quality Assurance Teams: Use the guidelines to ensure that software systems meet high standards of reliability and safety.
• Healthcare Professionals: Understand the importance of effective communication in radiotherapy software and how it impacts patient care.

Conclusion

The PD IEC TR 63183:2019 standard is an invaluable resource for anyone involved in the development or use of radiotherapy software. By providing clear and actionable guidance on error and warning message design, this standard helps to ensure that software systems operate safely and effectively, ultimately contributing to better patient outcomes and enhanced treatment experiences.

With its comprehensive approach and focus on user safety, the PD IEC TR 63183:2019 standard is a must-have for organizations committed to excellence in radiotherapy software development and implementation.

PD IEC TR 63183:2019

This standard PD IEC TR 63183:2019 Guidance on error and warning messages for software used in radiotherapy is classified in these ICS categories:

• 11.040.60 Therapy equipment

IEC TR 63183:2019 provides guidance on the usage and form of error or warning messages written for software used in RADIOTHERAPY. It does not replace any requirements existing in the safety standards but is meant to be used as a supplement to existing standards on usability by providing specific examples in the field of RADIOTHERAPY.
The two main goals of this document are
1) to present in a concise manner the best practices and design guidelines for good message dialogs, and
2) to illustrate these design guidelines with specific examples from the field of radiation oncology.
This document is intended to be read by the following MANUFACTURERS’ employees and representatives:
– engineering department members including: software engineers, RISK managers, quality assurance engineers, technical writers, etc.;
– usability and human factors engineers;
– marketing representatives (product marketing, product managers, business analysts).
Throughout this document, unless specifically called out, these guidelines apply to all categories of messages summarily called error or warning messages (e.g. critical error, warning, system status, informational, routine interlock messages).