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Published on: April 11, 2018
Current Practice for Electronic Medical Device Management in Radiation Therapy
A Gearhardt1, J Pollard-Larkin2, C Peeler2
1The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, 77030, United States; The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas, 77030, United States.
Radiation oncology requires careful management of electronic medical devices (EMDs) to prevent malfunction. This survey reveals a strong need for updated clinical management protocols for EMDs beyond cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs).
Area of Science:
- Radiation Oncology
- Medical Physics
- Healthcare Technology Management
Background:
- Electronic medical devices (EMDs) require careful management in radiation oncology to prevent radiation-induced malfunction.
- Currently, only cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) have an established clinical management protocol.
- There is a need to understand the management of other EMDs in radiotherapy settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the current international state of EMD management in radiation oncology.
- To identify the need for and desire for additional clinical management protocols for various EMDs.
- To characterize current practices and challenges in managing EMDs during radiotherapy.
Main Methods:
- An international survey was distributed to over 2500 physicists.
- The survey included questions on guidance needs, device observance, institutional policies, training, and encountered difficulties.
- Data were collected on the management of CIEDs and six other types of EMDs.
Main Results:
- 258 completed responses were analyzed, showing a significant desire for additional guidance (69% for non-CIEDs).
- A lack of institutional policies for managing non-CIEDs was reported by 73% of respondents.
- Existing policies for EMDs show considerable variability.
Conclusions:
- There is a clear need and demand for enhanced guidance on managing patients with EMDs in radiotherapy.
- The current lack of comprehensive institutional policies and the variability in existing protocols highlight this need.
- Further development of standardized protocols for EMD management in radiation oncology is warranted.
