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Sci‐Fri PM: Planning‐05: Saving trees and improving workflow
Author(s) -
Angers C,
Renaud J,
MacPherson M,
Clark B
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
medical physics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.473
H-Index - 180
eISSN - 2473-4209
pISSN - 0094-2405
DOI - 10.1118/1.2965977
Subject(s) - workflow , computer science , environmental science , database
Patient treatment preparation is a multi‐step process requiring inputs from a range of disciplines and technologies. Our centre generates just over 4500 treatment plans annually and operates from two main campuses. A large, split program presents unique challenges during treatment preparation and has provided the impetus for a completely electronic treatment process. Throughout 2006 and 2007, we migrated our external beam treatment planning to the Computerized Medical Systems (CMS) product line. Utilizing a thin‐client architecture, CMS supports distributed (multi‐site) planning. Coincident with the treatment planning upgrade, IMPAC Multi‐Access was configured to provide a paperless and filmless treatment record and electronic patient workflow. Standardized treatment objectives were also implemented in the form of site‐group approved care plans. Details of the pretreatment process and the CMS / IMPAC implementation will be presented as well as a workflow time analysis. To date, treatment preparation times have been reduced by 25% (2.5 days) as a result of workflow improvements, representing a clear benefit to both staff and patients.