The Power of Tags Part 2: Patient Tags

Written by Hannah Shappell on October 25, 2021. Posted in Blog, Features

In our previous blog, we discussed patient tags, which should only convey information specific to a patient regardless of plan information. Plan tags are just the opposite and complete the collection of tags in RO Dynamics. Plan tags should only convey information for a specific plan. While they can be manually duplicated or copied over if you are creating a secondary plan or boost off an existing plan, they will not do that automatically since the new plan may need different tags.

Plan tags have endless applications and possibilities. They can be used for things such as treatment devices, imaging modalities, techniques, and anything else that your oncology system may need. These tags make it easy to track and gain analytics on different aspects of the plan and devices used. The analytics pulled from the plan tags has the power to help departments really concentrate or validate the need for equipment or training.

Much like the patient tags, these are quickly and easily viewable using either the plan details view or by opening the patient dialog. Each tag and tag group are able to be customized within the Administration Module and can be color-coded to your needs. Between the plan tags and the patient tags, staff members are quickly able to see the “highlights” of a patient and their treatment plan depending on how your oncology system chooses to utilize this tool. The wonderful thing about tags is that it is fully up to the user on how they are utilized. There is no right or wrong way to utilize the tags. At Quantek Systems, our only goal is to help you to improve your processes so that you are better able to focus on the needs of the patient and their treatment.

Hannah Shappell is an ARRT certified radiation therapist with years of clinical experience who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in radiation therapy from Texas State University. She now currently resides in beautiful Central Oregon where you will typically find her outside trying to keep up with her two sons, crazy dog, and husband.

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The Need for Shareable Clinical Pathways

Written by Gabe Colburn on July 7, 2020. Posted in Blog, Shareable Clinical Pathways

In the paper beneath, we present the need for shareable clinical pathways in healthcare. If you want to get involved, contact us and also join our mailing list!

Gabe strives to create innovative solutions to solve real-world problems effectively. Currently he’s focused on improving Radiation Oncology and healthcare workflow and interoperability, with previous experience in the defense industry, quantum computing, and healthcare. He holds a B.S. in Engineering Physics from Colorado School of Mines and an M.S. in Medical Physics from Oregon Health & Science University. He is also certified by the American Board of Radiology in Therapeutic Medical Physics. He resides in Bend, OR where he enjoys the beautiful outdoors hiking, climbing, and camping with his wife and kids.

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The Power of Tags Part 1: Patient Tags

Written by Hannah Shappell on May 27, 2021. Posted in Blog, Features

There is certain key patient information that will always been necessary when treating any patient. These are the answers to the questions that every patient must answer almost as soon as they walk through the door of any medical facility and will be most likely asked repeatedly. Instead of having to copy notes over to each course, simulation, or plan; RO Dynamics has created patient specific tags.

These are a group of tags that apply to a patient and all plans associated with that plan. Patient tags can be customized based on the needs of your department. RO Dynamics comes with two standard patient tags that include: Previous Radiation and Pacemaker. For each of these tags and all custom additional tags within RO Dynamics, tasks and workflows are able to be started once a tag has been selected and saved to a patient.

For example, the pacemaker tag triggers a workflow that is based off the latest standard in the AAPM TG-203 guidelines released in 2019. By adding the pacemaker tag at any point during the treatment planning process, a workflow will be triggered which will then send out tasks to the responsible parties. Not only does this guarantee that this does not get missed but also that you are following the latest standards that have been set forth.

The location of the patient tags makes it easy to always see. Whenever you simply click on the patient, task, plan, or simulation you can see it in the plan details view or when you double click and open the patient dialog. In other systems, while this information may be listed it is not always readily shown or has to be copied down in multiple locations which allows human error to easily take the front seat.

Through the use of our advanced workflow engine, tags are no longer simple labels, they are able to automatically trigger emails, tasks and workflows that pull together all needed staff roles to streamline your patient care approach. Patient tags are yet another way that you are able to customize RO Dynamics to the needs of your department as well as simplify the incorporation of new standards in patient care.

Hannah Shappell is an ARRT certified radiation therapist with years of clinical experience who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in radiation therapy from Texas State University. She now currently resides in beautiful Central Oregon where you will typically find her outside trying to keep up with her two sons, crazy dog, and husband.

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