In the last few years there has been significant development of radiation therapy (RT)
equipment with advanced imaging and delivery techniques, as well as treatment planning
systems. From this perspective, proactive approaches for risk assessment were identified
as a powerful tool in modern radiation oncology. A multidisciplinary working group (WG)
has been established in the framework of the Italian association for medical physics
(AIFM) to promote the use of prospective approaches in the radiotherapy scientific
community. This paper describes the main actions carried out by the WG in order to collect
information about the engagement of Italian medical physicists in the risk management
process, in reporting possible incidents in RT and in the procedures of collecting and
analysing near misses. In particular, the main scope of the study was to evaluate the
actual level of experience in use of proactive risk analysis tools in modern RT by medical
physicists. Finally, the measures implemented by the WG in order to promote the use of
such approaches, and consequently to contribute to enhancing safety and radiation
protection culture in radiation oncology are described.