Experience of a Videoconference System with Medical Information Desktop Sharing for Radiation Therapy and Evaluation of Its Usefulness

Abstract

Purpose: To present our videoconference system with medical information desktop sharing for radiation therapy and report initial experience using the system and its usefulness. Materials and Methods: A videoconference system for radiation therapy enables radiation oncologists sent to affiliated hospitals to consult a more experienced board-certified doctor at our institution while sharing the same display showing a patient's information, radiology information system (RIS), and radiation therapy planning (RTP) system. We evaluated cases discussed in videoconferences to determine the influence of the system on treatment policies and radiation therapy plans. Results: From December 2012 to March 2013, treatment policies for 56 cases and radiation therapy plans for 50 cases were discussed in videoconferences. As for treatment policies, no change was made in treatment policy for 33 cases (59%), and minor and major changes were made for 16 (29%) cases and 7 (12%) cases, respectively. Radiation therapy plans for 50 cases were checked. No change was needed for 32 cases (64%), and minor and major changes were needed for 17 (34%) cases and 1 (2%) case, respectively. Conclusion: The videoconference system can be effective for improving the quality of radiation therapy.