TH‐CD‐201‐03: QA for Radiotherapy IT

Abstract

Radiation Oncology is a data intensive discipline. Data moves among various systems (imaging, treatment planning, image guidance and delivery) and the development of troubleshooting methods and appropriate QA and QC measures strongly depends on the medical physicists’ understanding of fundamental information technology concepts. This session will cover the concepts involved in networking, data transfer, DICOM and HL7 connectivity, database operations and QA for IT. Databases are at the heart of all modern radiotherapy clinics and are used for planning as well as treatment delivery, and they also drive the observed state of the data at various clients. Querying and reporting from the database is an important skill that medical physicists need to learn. Interactions between clients and databases need to be well understood to ensure that correct, synchronized, and up‐to‐date information is properly communicated amongst all stakeholders involved in the treatment management process. Entrance into the database via DICOM, HL7 and other proprietary transfer mechanisms must also be tested for accuracy of information storage and presentation. Issues with inter‐operability between systems must also be well understood during acceptance testing and commissioning activities. The ongoing efforts of IHE‐RO will be explained in the context of the need for increased engagement on the part of medical physicists.Learning Objectives: Understand the basic IT infrastructure required to run a radiotherapy department Become familiar with database concepts to improve troubleshooting skills Learn the principles of designing a QA program tailored to one's specific clinical IT environment. Curan: Funding from AAPM for travel and expenses DICOM and Funding from ASTRO for travel and expenses IHE RO