Identifying user assistance systems for radiotherapy to increase efficiency and help saving lives

Increasing efficiency and reducing risk in radiotherapy cancer treatment is of high importance. User assistance systems within a digitally connected radiotherapy environment can support all involved professionals to perform their individual tasks faster and better. This paper presents a qualitative analysis of radiotherapy workflows and a corresponding process modelling in order to identify hypothetical user assistance systems for specific process activities. In addition, the results of an empirical study on the identified systems are presented together with derived requirements and design principles for these systems. A structured online survey with 50 medical physicists in Germany has been conducted. Among others the acceptance, the increase of perceived efficiency and the risk reduction while using the assistance systems are analysed and discussed. The results support the creation of value adding user assistance systems for radiotherapy that improve efficiency, reduce treatment risks and reach high user acceptance levels.

Influence of the pandemic dissemination of COVID-19 on radiotherapy practice: A flash survey in Germany, Austria and Switzerland

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has already changed our globalised world and its long-term impact is not yet known. It is apparent that businesses and institutions are increasingly affected. COVID-19 discussions often focus on intensive care units in hospitals. However, COVID-19 also effects life-saving and -prolonging radiotherapy for patients suffering from cancer.

METHOD

We have conducted a structured online survey among medical physicists in Germany, Austria and Switzerland from March 23rd to 26th 2020. In total 154 responses (82 completed, 72 partially completed) were analysed in the context of the COVID-19 dissemination.

RESULTS

72.4% of the respondent's state that their processes are affected due to COVID-19, while the top three answers are longer processing times (54.2%), patient no-shows (42.5%) and staff reduction (36.7%). 75.8% expect further unavailability of their personnel in the upcoming weeks. All participants have already taken several measures, especially providing information for patients at the entrance (89.6%) or over the phone (73.6%), restricting access for accompanying persons (77.4%) and providing disinfectant at the entrance (72.6%).

DISCUSSION

The results presented in this article aim to support business continuity and risk management for radiotherapy centres to prepare for future challenges. The results show that most radiotherapy centres has implemented initial contingency measures, applying them pragmatically. The main problem however remains, that is the high risk of infection both for patients and medical personnel along with the associated risk of temporarily loss of personnel and ordered closure of business.