SU-E-T-218: The IHE-RO Helper Tool: Demonstrating the Connectivity Issues Solved by IHE-RO

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Health Informatics
• Radiation Oncology

Background:

• The Integrating Healthcare Enterprise-Radiation Oncology (IHE-RO) initiative aims to enhance information sharing in radiation oncology using DICOM/HL7 standards.
• Connectivity challenges among radiotherapy devices (treatment planning, management, delivery systems) can be overlooked due to the technical nature of test results.
• Existing solutions often require deep technical expertise, posing a barrier for end-users.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a web-based application, the IHE-RO Helper, for reviewing radiotherapy device interconnectivity and interoperability.
• To present complex IHE-RO Connectathon test results in a clinically relevant and accessible format for practitioners.
• To facilitate informed procurement decisions by clearly identifying IHE-RO compliant vendor products.

Main Methods:

• The IHE-RO Helper tool translates technical interconnectivity data into user-friendly queries and presentations based on clinical features and treatment techniques.
• It allows users to query specific clinical scenarios, such as planning stereotactic treatments and transferring data to treatment management and delivery systems.
• The tool identifies vendors and products that have successfully passed IHE-RO Connectathon testing for specific interoperability requirements.

Main Results:

• The IHE-RO Helper provides a graphical and textual interface to visualize solved interconnectivity issues between treatment planning systems (TPS), treatment management systems (TMS), and treatment delivery systems (TDS).
• A comprehensive report detailing interconnectivity problems and their validated solutions is generated.
• The tool effectively demonstrates the successful resolution of connectivity challenges.

Conclusions:

• The IHE-RO Helper is an effective tool for identifying IHE-RO compliant vendor products, promoting vendor engagement in testing and validation.
• It serves as an invaluable resource for acquiring new equipment, ensuring pre-existing interoperability with existing and planned radiotherapy devices.
• The tool supports the seamless integration of diverse radiotherapy systems in clinical practice.