Sci-Fri PM: Planning-05: Saving trees and improving workflow.

Patient treatment preparation is a multi-step process requiring inputs from a range of disciplines and technologies. Our centre generates just over 4500 treatment plans annually and operates from two main campuses. A large, split program presents unique challenges during treatment preparation and has provided the impetus for a completely electronic treatment process. Throughout 2006 and 2007, we migrated our external beam treatment planning to the Computerized Medical Systems (CMS) product line. Utilizing a thin-client architecture, CMS supports distributed (multi-site) planning. Coincident with the treatment planning upgrade, IMPAC Multi-Access was configured to provide a paperless and filmless treatment record and electronic patient workflow. Standardized treatment objectives were also implemented in the form of site-group approved care plans. Details of the pretreatment process and the CMS / IMPAC implementation will be presented as well as a workflow time analysis. To date, treatment preparation times have been reduced by 25% (2.5 days) as a result of workflow improvements, representing a clear benefit to both staff and patients.