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Heilemann G, Georg D, Dobiasch M, Widder J, Renner A. Increasing Quality and Efficiency of the Radiotherapy Treatment Planning Process by Constructing and Implementing a Workflow-Monitoring Application. JCO Clin Cancer Inform 2023; 7:e2300005. [PMID: 37595165 DOI: 10.1200/cci.23.00005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To demonstrate how the efficiency of the treatment planning processes of a university radiation oncology department (2,500 new patients/year) could be improved by constructing and implementing a workflow-monitoring application. METHODS A web-based application was developed in house, which enhanced the process management tools of the clinic's oncology information system. The application calculates the days left for the next task in the treatment planning process and visualizes the information on a browser-based whiteboard. Workflow monitoring considers tumor types (breast, prostate, lung, etc) and treatment techniques and is backward planned from the planned start of treatment. The effect of introducing this application was analyzed over four phases: (1) baseline data without the workflow-monitoring application, (2) after introducing workflow visualization via a browser-based whiteboard, (3) after upgrading the whiteboard and introducing backend rules, and (4) after updating these rules on the basis of data from the previous phase. RESULTS Implementing the workflow-monitoring application and the introduced measures significantly reduced delays and, consequently, stress and a negative working atmosphere in the treatment planning process. Most notably, the amount of last-minute physics checks (on the day of the treatment start) could be reduced by 50%. CONCLUSION The study showed what measures can help organize and prioritize the treatment planning workflow. The increased efficiency is believed to improve the quality and reduce the risk of human error.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerd Heilemann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Vienna, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dietmar Georg
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Vienna, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthias Dobiasch
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Vienna, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Joachim Widder
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Vienna, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas Renner
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Vienna, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Paradis KC, Ryan KA, Schmid S, Moran JM, Laucis A, Chapman CH, Bott-Kothari T, Prisciandaro JI, Simiele S, Balter JM, Matuszak MM, Narayana V, Jagsi R. A qualitative investigation of resilience and well-being among medical physics residents. J Appl Clin Med Phys 2022; 23:e13554. [PMID: 35128786 PMCID: PMC8906227 DOI: 10.1002/acm2.13554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Medical physics residents (MPRs) will define and shape the future of physics in medicine. We sought to better understand the residency experience, as related to resilience and well‐being, through the lens of current MPRs and medical physicists (MPs) working with residents. Methods and materials From February–May 2019, we conducted 32, 1‐h, confidential, semi‐structured interviews with MPs either currently enrolled in an accredited residency (n = 16) or currently employed by a department with an accredited residency (n = 16). Interviews centered on the topics of mentorship, work/life integration, and discrimination. Qualitative analysis methods were used to derive key themes from the interview transcripts. Results With regard to the medical physics residency experience, four key themes emerged during qualitative analysis: the demanding nature of medical physics residencies, the negative impacts of residency on MPRs during training and beyond, strategies MPRs use to cope with residency stress, and the role of professional societies in addressing residency‐related change. Conclusions Residency training is a stress‐inducing time in the path to becoming a board‐certified MP. By uncovering several sources of this stress, we have identified opportunities to support the resiliency and well‐being of MPs in training through recommendations by professional societies, programmatic changes, and interventions at the department and residency program director level for residency programs, as well as strategies that MPRs themselves can use to support well‐being on their career journey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly C Paradis
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Kerry A Ryan
- Center for Bioethics and Social Science in Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Spencer Schmid
- Center for Bioethics and Social Science in Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Jean M Moran
- Department of Medical Physics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Anna Laucis
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Christina H Chapman
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Terri Bott-Kothari
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Joann I Prisciandaro
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Samantha Simiele
- Department of Radiation Physics, MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - James M Balter
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Martha M Matuszak
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Vrinda Narayana
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Reshma Jagsi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.,Center for Bioethics and Social Science in Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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