scholarly journals Infection Control and Modified Workflow Strategies in Radiation Oncology Department during COVID 19 Crisis: An Institutional Experience

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (S1) ◽  
pp. 21-26
Author(s):  
Sweta Soni ◽  
Akanksha Solanki ◽  
Puneet Pareek ◽  
Rakesh Kumar Vyas ◽  
Sumanta Manna ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Radiation Oncology ◽  
Radiation Treatment ◽  
Treatment Plan ◽  
Present Condition ◽  
Control Policies ◽  
Chemotherapy Administration ◽  
Ct Simulation ◽  
Institutional Experience ◽  
Plan Modification

Purpose: To build safe environment for cancer fighters and radiation personnel during COVID-19 pandemic by focusing on infection control, workflow and radiotherapy dose schedules modification strategies in radiation oncology departments. Material and Methods: A meeting was called post lock down in radiation oncology department to prepare infection control policies and workflow strategies in time of COVID-19 Pandemic.Results: Strategies and policies were formed during COVID-19 crises taking following points into consideration 1) Infection control policies 2) CT simulation policies 3) Day care admission and chemotherapy administration policies 4) Radiation treatment plan modification and delivery strategies 5) Brachytherapy delivery strategies.Conclusion: Management of cancer patients is an issue running parallel to the present condition of COVID-19 pandemic. Further randomized trial on hypofractionated radiotherapy schedules should be encouraged. Positivity, awareness and systematic approach are most important step in balancing the current scenario.

Enhancing treatment planning workflow in radiation oncology.

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (8_suppl) ◽  
pp. 84-84
Author(s):  
Arpine Khudanyan ◽  
Jerry Jeff Jaboin ◽  
Barb Agrimson ◽  
Simon Brown ◽  
Wolfram Laub ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Planning ◽  
Radiation Oncology ◽  
Planning Process ◽  
Treatment Plan ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Communication Process ◽  
Treatment Team ◽  
Ishikawa Diagram ◽  
Ideal State ◽  
Ct Simulation

84 Background: The treatment planning process is the most impactful and complex aspect of radiation oncology care. In order to provide short turn around times from patient CT simulation to treatment plan QA, requires a level of strain and haste for multiple members of the treatment team. We evaluated 18 months of data to determine the percentage of Quality Assurance (QA) approvals of nonemergent complex plans (including 3D/IMRT/Arc/SBRT/SRS) that are not completed by 8:00a the day prior to a patient's first treatment appointment, and found that this occcurred on time 62% of the time. We utilized the ASCO Quality Training Process (QTP) process to brainstorm methods to enhance workflow, and create an action plan that would allow for small Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles to reach our ideal state of > 90% On Time Treatment Plan Delivery. Methods: We utilized LEAN tools from the ASCO QTP progam (June 2016 cycle). We created an Ishikawa diagram to determine the areas of greatest potential. We subsequently developed a highly detailed flow chart of our work processes. Then we utilized Mosaiq scripts to establish baselines for our process measures. Results: From our Ishikawa diagram, the initial most impact was in generate target volume contours after the CT simulation. Our first measure was to visually manage the CT simulation process. We established a computer based quality control list (QCL) to enhance the communication process, and provided a "reminder" at the time of simulation of the target contour delivery date. After collection of data points, there was a significant improvement in on time delivery (now 89%, and approaching the ideal state), as illustrated by our Run Chart, and a coincident decrease in variability between providers and cases was noted in this cohort. Conclusions: Our preliminary change effort is promising, but further data will enhance our findings. Our next steps are to collect an additional two weeks of data, and initiate another PDSA cycle with a new measure of automated reminders from the QCL system. In achieving our project goals and making it sustainable, we believe that we will be providing high quality, high value patient care, while enhancing the healthiness of the work environment for our staff.

Practice points for radiation oncology

2016 ◽  
pp. 173-185
Author(s):  
Annekatrin Seidlitz ◽  
Stephanie E. Combs ◽  
Jürgen Debus ◽  
Michael Baumann
Keyword(s):  
Radiation Oncology ◽  
Radiation Treatment ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Treatment Plan ◽  
Radiation Oncologist ◽  
Tumour Control ◽  
Dose Volume ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Tissue Reactions ◽  
Normal Tissue Reactions

Radiotherapy is an indispensable treatment modality in modern oncology with curative potential in applying ionizing radiation in a wide spectrum of malignancies. Radiotherapy is often combined in multidisciplinary concepts with surgery or cytostatic drugs, and increasingly also with molecular-targeted therapies. The aim of radiotherapy is to achieve uncomplicated local or locoregional tumour control, that is to permanently inactivate all cancer cells in the irradiated volume without inducing severe normal tissue reactions. This aim can be reached for a substantial proportion of patients with modern high-precision radiation treatment planning and application technologies. Clinical and radiobiological principles guide the radiation oncologist in time-dose volume prescription of radiotherapy and in selection of the optimal radiation treatment plan for the individual patient. The scope of this chapter is to summarize important basic biological, physical, and clinical principles and practice points of radiotherapy of relevance for the non-radiation oncologist.

Practice points for radiation oncology

2016 ◽  
pp. 173-185
Author(s):  
Annekatrin Seidlitz ◽  
Stephanie E. Combs ◽  
Jürgen Debus ◽  
Michael Baumann
Keyword(s):  
Radiation Oncology ◽  
Radiation Treatment ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Treatment Plan ◽  
Radiation Oncologist ◽  
Tumour Control ◽  
Dose Volume ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Tissue Reactions ◽  
Normal Tissue Reactions

Radiotherapy is an indispensable treatment modality in modern oncology with curative potential in applying ionizing radiation in a wide spectrum of malignancies. Radiotherapy is often combined in multidisciplinary concepts with surgery or cytostatic drugs, and increasingly also with molecular-targeted therapies. The aim of radiotherapy is to achieve uncomplicated local or locoregional tumour control, that is to permanently inactivate all cancer cells in the irradiated volume without inducing severe normal tissue reactions. This aim can be reached for a substantial proportion of patients with modern high-precision radiation treatment planning and application technologies. Clinical and radiobiological principles guide the radiation oncologist in time-dose volume prescription of radiotherapy and in selection of the optimal radiation treatment plan for the individual patient. The scope of this chapter is to summarize important basic biological, physical, and clinical principles and practice points of radiotherapy of relevance for the non-radiation oncologist.

Hospital-acquired infection awareness and control practices among healthcare staff: an evaluation

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (11) ◽  
pp. 296-302
Author(s):  
Pallavi Saraswat ◽  
Rajnarayan R Tiwari ◽  
Muralidhar Varma ◽  
Sameer Phadnis ◽  
Monica Sindhu
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Healthcare Facility ◽  
Hospital Staff ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Control Policies ◽  
Hospital Acquired Infection ◽  
Hospital Acquired Infections ◽  
Hospital Acquired

Background/Aims Hospital-acquired infections pose a risk to the wellbeing of both patients and staff. They are largely preventable, particularly if hospital staff have adequate knowledge of and adherence to infection control policies. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, awareness and practice of hospital-acquired infection control measures among hospital staff. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 71 staff members in a tertiary healthcare facility in Karnataka, India. The researchers distributed a questionnaire containing 33 questions regarding knowledge of hospital-acquired infections, awareness of infection control policies and adherence to control practices. The results were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 16.0 and a Kruskal–Wallis test. Results Respondents' mean percentage score on the knowledge of hospital-acquired infections section was 72%. Their mean percentage scores on the awareness and practice of infection prevention measures sections were 82% and 77% respectively. Doctors and those with more years of experience typically scored higher. Conclusion The respondents had an acceptable level of knowledge, awareness and adherence to infection control practices. However, continued training is essential in the prevention of hospital-acquired infections. The majority of the respondents stated that they were willing to undertake training in this area, and this opportunity should be provided in order to improve infection control quality.

scholarly journals Second Wave of COVID-19 Pandemic in Malaysia and the Impact on Nuclear Cardiology Services: An Institutional Experience

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 25
Author(s):  
Ahmad Zaid Zanial ◽  
Syifaa Aminudin ◽  
FatinHayani Mohamad Najib ◽  
Siti Zarina Amir Hassan
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Medicine ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Nuclear Cardiology ◽  
Heart Diseases ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Main Difficulty ◽  
Technetium 99M ◽  
Institutional Experience ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Second Wave

Introduction: Nuclear cardiology applying radioactive tracer and hybrid imaging techniques are able to provide information needed to detect and evaluate ischaemic heart diseases. In our centre, nuclear cardiology services involving stress and rest myocardial perfusion scans and viability studies contribute about 40% of overall scan workload. The second wave of COVID- 19 pandemic in Malaysia announced by the end of February 2020 has affected nuclear cardiology services.Objectives: Our aims were to determine the impact of COVID-19 pandemic second wave on the nuclear cardiology imaging studies performed as well as to ascertain crucial institutional experience especially unavoidable problem and adjustment during the period.Methods: A review of Technetium-99m tetrofosmin radiopharmaceutical dispensing data and scan records for 1st February to 31st August 2019 and 2020 was conducted at Nuclear Medicine Department, Hospital Kuala Lumpur. Figures were compiled and statistical analysis done. Survey and focus discussion conducted involving nuclear medicine physicians, pharmacists and physic officers to identify the main difficulty faced and most important Job-adapting measure taken.Results: A total of 1109 cardiac radiopharmaceutical doses dispensed during the studied period but were less when compared to 1342 doses dispensed last year. Significant reduction was noted in April and May 2020 with only 69 and 67 cases respectively in comparison with monthly average of 192 cases in 2019. Although some scan appointments were postponed to avoid the usual waiting area congestions, the main difficulty faced was Technetium-99m generator supply disruption with limited production in Europe and international transportation restriction. Implementing infection control standard operating procedure (SOP) instructions as part of routine work practice with emphasis of time, distance and shielding concept was the most important Job-adapting measure.Conclusion: Nuclear cardiology services were affected by the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic locally. Main problem ascertained was disruption of radioactive supply. Most important adjustment was infection control SOP implementation.International Journal of Human and Health Sciences Supplementary Issue: 2021 Page: S25

scholarly journals ACTIVE INVOLVEMENT OF RADIOLOGIST IN RADIATION ONCOLOGY PRACTICE

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 3199-3201
Author(s):  
Anurag A. Luharia
Keyword(s):  
Radiation Oncology ◽  
Normal Tissue ◽  
Radiation Treatment ◽  
Imaging Modality ◽  
Tumour Volume ◽  
Target Volume ◽  
Ct Images ◽  
Radiotherapy Planning ◽  
Internal Target Volume ◽  
Radiotherapy Treatment

Advancements in Radiation Oncology from conventional to 3D conformal radiotherapy treatment demands expertise in many steps of radiation planning, the horizon of radiologist is now expanded by many folds and made radiologist as a integral part of the Radiation Oncology Department. A critical aspect of radiotherapy treatment planning (RTP) is determining how to deliver the required radiation dosage to cancer cells while minimising the exposure to normal tissue for which the prerequisite is identification and accurate delineation of tumour volume as well as normal structure resulted in an increase in the therapeutic ratio by reducing complication associated with normal tissue and allowing for higher target dosage and better local control. In modern radiotherapy CT images are the standard set of imaging modality required for the radiotherapy planning along with it many other modalities like MRI, PET or DSA are used by superimposing on original CT images in order to contour or delineate the structures defined by International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements in Reports 50, 62 and 71 (ICRU) for radiotherapy planning which comprise of Gross tumour volume, clinical target volume, planning target volume, irradiated volume, Internal target volume and the normal structures as Organ at risk. It is self-evident that the contribution of a radiologist with a thorough knowledge of the development of these new modalities is critical for optimising the potential of these novel modes of radiation treatment delivery.

Infection control policies: effective cleaning

2009 ◽  
Vol 5 (7) ◽  
pp. 368-370
Author(s):  
Kathy Porter
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Control Policies
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