Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences最新文献

{"title":"Optimizing Scopes of Practice for MRTs in Pain Management Therapy","authors":"Gina McRae","doi":"10.1016/j.jmir.2026.102401","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmir.2026.102401","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>The purpose of this research was to explore opportunities to optimize the scope of practice for Medical Radiation Technologists (MRT(R)s) in pain management therapy. Specifically, it aimed to identify how MRT(R)s could safely and effectively assume expanded responsibilities, the barriers and enablers to role advancement, and the practical steps required to implement phased scope expansion.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This qualitative study was conducted within a clinical healthcare organization to explore MRT(R) scope optimization in pain management therapy. Using Action Research Engagement (ARE) and Participatory Action Research (PAR) frameworks with a systems lens, twelve participants (6 radiologists, 6 MRT(R)s) engaged in semi-structured interviews and a focus group to identify barriers, enablers, and emergent pathways for role advancement. Data were analyzed inductively, with themes validated through member checking and peer debriefing. Ethical approval was obtained, and all participants provided informed consent.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The study identified four key themes affecting MRT(R) scope optimization: awareness and desire, trust and relationships, education and ability, and communication. Participants highlighted potential benefits, including reduced radiologist workload, improved workflow efficiency, and enhanced patient care, alongside opportunities for professional growth for technologists. Key challenges included limited interprofessional trust, inconsistent role definitions, and the need for structured education and regulatory alignment to safely expand responsibilities.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Engaging staff in reflective inquiry generated awareness and dialogue around role advancement, producing a practical, phased pathway for expanding MRT(R) responsibilities. The findings provide a framework to guide workflow improvements, support interprofessional collaboration, and strengthen patient care pathways, with potential application across other clinical practice areas.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46420,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences","volume":"57 4","pages":"Article 102401"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148565381","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Radiation Therapists as Health Promotion Leaders: Integrating Lifestyle Medicine into Everyday Care","authors":"Belinda Lawrence,&nbsp;Michael Bhatti,&nbsp;Cheryl Norohna,&nbsp;Rachel Woo,&nbsp;Jeanette Wong,&nbsp;Kimberly McBride,&nbsp;Steven Chow,&nbsp;Aaliya Rajani,&nbsp;Julia Hartwick,&nbsp;Agnes Cheung,&nbsp;Natalie Rozanec,&nbsp;Dr. Tatiana Conrad,&nbsp;Dr. Nafisha Lalani,&nbsp;Dr. Zahra Kassam","doi":"10.1016/j.jmir.2026.102364","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmir.2026.102364","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Purpose/Aim&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Lifestyle factors account for an estimated 40–50% of cancers and significantly influence outcomes following diagnosis; however, structured Lifestyle Medicine education remains under-integrated in oncology care. Radiation Therapists (RTs) interact with patients daily and are well positioned to deliver timely health promotion. This innovation aimed to implement and evaluate an RT-led, group-based Lifestyle Medicine education program, Healthy Me, embedded within the radiation therapy pathway for patients with breast cancer. The innovation centres on RTs practicing to the full scope of their role as leaders in survivorship and health promotion.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Methods/Process&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Healthy Me launched in October 2025 and is delivered twice weekly by RTs to maximize access. Patients and families attend one session during active treatment, scheduled near their appointment time to reduce burden. RT facilitators completed certification in Lifestyle Medicine for Cancer Prevention and Survivorship through the University of Winchester. Session content was developed using this training and evidence-based resources from national and international cancer organizations, then refined through feedback from cancer Centre staff and the Patient and Families Advisory Committee. The one-hour session addresses six pillars of Lifestyle Medicine: nutrition (based on the Canada Food Guide and WCRF/AICR guidelines), physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, avoidance of risky substances, and social connection. Cancer Centre survivorship programs are highlighted to support navigation. Participants receive an electronic resource package. Evaluation includes satisfaction, perceived knowledge, and intention to adopt healthy behaviors.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results or Benefits/Challenges&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Benefits include high patient engagement, the integration of RTs as health-promotion leaders, and increased efficiency through group delivery. Feedback informed program improvements such as renaming the session “Healthy Me,” adding evidence-based soy resources, and expanding practical content on exercise, meal planning, and sexual health. Challenges included staff training needs, scheduling within clinical workflows, and resource limitations. Moving from individualized to group sessions improved sustainability and scalability without disrupting care.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Conclusions/Impact&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Among the first 69 participants, 97% reported the session was helpful, 94% reported increased knowledge of lifestyle behaviors, and 94% were likely or very likely to make lifestyle changes. Nutrition and physical activity were the most common focus areas. Ninety percent felt the session was offered at an appropriate time in their cancer journey. These early results demonstrate strong acceptability, effective knowledge translation, and readiness for behavior change. Importantly, this radiation-therapy–led initiative represents a successful and ","PeriodicalId":46420,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences","volume":"57 4","pages":"Article 102364"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148565540","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparison of Identifying Surface Gating vs Conventional Setups for Breast Radiotherapy Treatment","authors":"Paige Lau,&nbsp;Alana Hudson,&nbsp;Amanda Yee,&nbsp;Chasity Doan,&nbsp;Michael Zhang,&nbsp;Shelby Jacober,&nbsp;Joanna Foster","doi":"10.1016/j.jmir.2026.102407","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmir.2026.102407","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>Surface Guided Radiotherapy (SGRT) is a non-invasive approach for treatment setup that utilizes 3D surface imaging to improve the efficiency and safety of treatment workflows. While conventional laser-based setups rely on tattoos and limited reference points, SGRT allows for positional variations to be quickly identified. In the case of four-field breast treatments, the SGRT system, IDENTIFY, will track the position of the breast, ipsilateral arm, and clavicle. This study will evaluate the clinical impact of IDENTIFY in terms of imaging frequency, treatment times, and setup accuracy in comparison to a conventional laser-based approach for left-sided breast cancer treatments at a single, urban tertiary cancer center.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A prospective quantitative approach will be utilized for the study at the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre (Arthur Child), analyzing and comparing data from the control group (tattoo-based setups) to the experimental group (surface-guided setups). Inclusion criteria: left-sided, intact breast cancer patients prescribed with 16 fractionations ± boost to the seroma who are planned to be treated with a Deep Inspiration Breath Hold (DIBH) four-field technique. At CT simulation, patients will receive both a DIBH and a free breathing scan to obtain the patient's surface for SGRT, as per departmental standards. Imaging frequency and type, treatment time, and setup corrections (shifts) data are collected for each treatment fraction. Tolerances and setup guidelines for SGRT were predetermined with measurements from setup trials utilizing a phantom using SGRT setups with IDENTIFY.</div></div><div><h3>Results or Benefits/Challenges</h3><div>Data collection is ongoing, but initial testing with a phantom indicates that removing the need to calculate isocenter shifts daily by using IDENTIFY to move the bed directly to the plan isocenter reduces setup times. Having additional information at initial setup, such as patient rotation throughout target volume, chin and arm position, also improves setup times — when compared to conventional tattoo and laser setups.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion or Impact/Outcomes</h3><div>The projected impact based on initial phantom testing is a reduction in overall treatment times and imaging frequency. Results from the study will inform clinical practice at the Arthur Child to optimize setup accuracy and improve treatment efficiency for four-field breast patients. The IDENTIFY system additionally supports automated beam hold and surface-guided couch shift, which will improve patient safety and workflow efficiency and allow us to consider moving away from tattooing patients.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46420,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences","volume":"57 4","pages":"Article 102407"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148565882","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Patient Experience and Education in Re-Irradiation Care","authors":"Neva Pang,&nbsp;Michael Velec","doi":"10.1016/j.jmir.2026.102418","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmir.2026.102418","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>With advances in cancer care there is an increasing number of cancer survivors living longer after treatment. As a result, more patients are returning for radiation therapy to the same anatomical site or to a new area. Re-irradiation is defined as a new course of radiotherapy with a geometrical overlap of a previously irradiated volume, or where there are concerns of toxicity from cumulative doses even without overlap. The purpose of this qualitative needs assessment is to identify the specific informational needs of patients receiving re-irradiation, including how much review is required regarding treatment rationale, what to expect, potential side effects, and management strategies.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The informational needs of patients are critical in mentally preparing them for radiation therapy and have been shown to reduce fear and anxiety, while facilitating better management of side effects. Currently, there is no published research or quality improvement work addressing patient education specifically for re-irradiation, and there is a lack of existing patient education materials or practice guidelines for this population. This quality improvement initiative is designed as a qualitative needs assessment to explore these gaps.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>At present, no formal data exist to guide patient education practices for individuals undergoing re-irradiation. This initiative will generate data to identify which informational domains are most relevant and meaningful to this subset of patients, and where current educational approaches may be insufficient.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The findings from this quality improvement initiative will help inform how Radiation Therapists can further personalize and/or streamline pre-CT simulation education for patients receiving re-irradiation. Additionally, this work will assess whether existing patient education materials adequately address the specific concerns and informational needs of patients undergoing re-irradiation, supporting potential improvements in patient-centered care.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46420,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences","volume":"57 4","pages":"Article 102418"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148566024","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Radiation Oncologist Perspectives on Clinical Specialist Radiation Therapists Prescribing Medications and Ordering Imaging","authors":"Marcia Smoke,&nbsp;Maggie Huang,&nbsp;Thomas Farrell,&nbsp;Jasleen Uppal,&nbsp;Krista McGrath,&nbsp;Nicole Harnett","doi":"10.1016/j.jmir.2026.102405","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmir.2026.102405","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>The study intends to evaluate the perspectives that Radiation Oncologists’ (ROs’) have of Clinical Specialists Radiation Therapists (CSRTs) prescribing medication, ordering imaging, as well as their perceived impact on workflow efficiency through a quantitative survey. Considering the perspectives of RO’s is important in understanding the feasibility of implementing prescriptive and diagnostic imaging ordering authority for CSRTs across Ontario.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A literature review was done to explore their roles, responsibilities and patient satisfaction associated with the care of CSRTs. Additionally, the prescribing processes and medical imaging ordering practices of other advanced healthcare professionals world‐wide were examined to understand the outcomes and implications of expanded scopes of practice. Based on the literature review and input from a panel of experts, a 14-question anonymous quantitative survey was developed using a 5-point Likert scale, along with multiple-choice and binary-response items, to assess ROs’ perceived confidence in workflow efficiency and care associated with CSRTs. The survey was reviewed by a RO before distribution and subsequently sent to 31 ROs across the Greater Toronto Area and Hamilton region; 13 responded. One-tailed and two-tailed sign tests were used to evaluate the significance of responses, and the Kruskal-Wallis test identified any gender-based differences.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Results showed statistically significant confidence (p &lt; 0.05) among ROs in having CSRTs prescribe analgesics, antiemetics, anti-diarrheals, antifungals, magic mouthwash, and Flamazine under medical directives. ROs also expressed confidence (p &lt; 0.05) in CSRTs ordering both contrast and non-contrast imaging. However, confidence was not statistically significant (p &gt; 0.05) for higher-risk medications such as anxiolytics, coanalgesics, corticosteroids, opioids, and hydrocortisone. Interestingly, although not statistically significant, ROs showed more agreement in having CSRTs prescribe opioids than hydrocortisone, suggesting that familiarity and clinical context may influence prescriber confidence.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study reinforces the literature supporting the expansion of the CSRT role into prescribing medication and ordering imaging to address rising cancer care demands. ROs were found to be more confident in CSRTs prescribing low‐risk supportive medications and ordering imaging, while hesitancy remained for higher‐risk medications. Overall, ROs found that task shifting to CSRTs lighten their workload, allowing them to concentrate on tasks needing their expertise. Over time, expanding independent or semi-independent prescribing may be feasible if paired with clear protocols and patient education.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46420,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences","volume":"57 4","pages":"Article 102405"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148582456","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring an Infection Control Game to Reinforce Learning in Health Professions Education","authors":"Stephanie A. Lea","doi":"10.1016/j.jmir.2026.102412","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmir.2026.102412","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>Explore health professions students’ experiences using a serious game on infection control to reinforce learning.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Basic qualitative study guided by active/experiential learning theories; 12 students; semi-structured interviews; inductive thematic analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Themes: action–outcome connection; metacognition; theory–practice connection; value of design elements; awareness of roles/responsibilities; scenario reactions informing future practice.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Findings support integrating serious games in curricula to enhance infection control education and reduce HAI impact.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46420,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences","volume":"57 4","pages":"Article 102412"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148582458","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A comparison of clinical outcomes from Oncologist vs Therapist-led MRI-guided ultra-hypo-fractionated, adaptive prostate radiation therapy","authors":"Amanda Moreira,&nbsp;Tara Rosewall,&nbsp;Jennifer Dang,&nbsp;Aran Kim,&nbsp;Jeff Winter,&nbsp;Winnie Li,&nbsp;Peter Chung","doi":"10.1016/j.jmir.2026.102346","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmir.2026.102346","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Purpose/Aim&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;A key barrier to widespread MRI-guided adaptive radiation therapy (ART) is the need for daily radiation oncologist (RO)-led re-contouring and evaluation. This has been addressed for prostate ART through radiation therapist (RTT)-led workflows.  This study evaluated the impact on toxicity and outcomes between RO- and RTT-led prostate treatment in an ART program&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Methods/Process&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;All intermediate risk prostate ART patients treated on a 1.5T MR-Linac were retrospectively reviewed and grouped by workflow into consecutive cohorts: RO-led (September 2019 – November 2021) and RTT-led (April 2022 – October 2023), with a break during training. All patients were treated with 25 – 42.7 Gy in 5 – 7 alternate day fractions, 9-field IMRT using adapt to shape (ATS) workflow. Patients with 30Gy or less also received brachytherapy prior to EBRT. PTV margins were 5mm (all RO-led), 5mm (RT-led 25-30Gy) or 4mm (3mm left-right) (RTT-led 42.7Gy). Biochemical control was assessed using the Phoenix definition. Toxicity was quantified prospectively using CTCAE v3.0. Mean doses for each cohort PTV, bladder, urethra and rectum were summarized from summation of the adapted plan doses and normalized to prescription&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results or Benefits/Challenges&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;166 prostate ART patients were reviewed: 78 RO-led and 88 RTT-led. Median (range) follow-up was 40 months (26-60) and 30 months (15-43) for RO-led and RTT-led patients, respectively. PSA at Nadir was similar between cohorts (0.28 vs 0.26) but mean(standard deviation) time to Nadir (TTN) in months was shorter in the RTT-led cohort (16.7 (±11.9) vs. 23.1 (±14.9), (p=0.005)). There were only 8 patients who developed biochemical failure at last follow up. Incidence of G2+ urinary toxicity was 9% vs 26% (p = 0.007) during RT, 14% vs 31% (p &gt;0.05) at 1-month, 8% vs 14% (p&gt;0.05) at 6-months, and 6% vs 3% (p&gt;0.05) at 12-months for RO-led and RTT-led cohort, respectively. G2+ rectal toxicity was not significantly different between the cohorts during RT (0.6%), nor at 1-month (0.6%), 6-months (0.6%) or 12-months (1.2%). Mean PTV D95 coverage, bladder 1cc and mean urethra dose were all statistically significantly (p &lt; 0.007) higher in the RO-cohort, but the magnitude of the differences was not clinically significant (0.99% vs 0.98%, 1.05% vs 1.02% and 1.06% vs 1.02%). Mean Rectum 1cc and D50 were similar in both cohorts&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Conclusions/Impact&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Acute G2+ GU toxicity was higher in the RTT-cohort, however late toxicity at 12-months was comparable to the RO-cohort. Overall, GI toxicity and incidence of BCR were low. Although shorter TTN could indicate poorer clinical outcomes, this finding may be related to 'PSA bounce' from the use of SBRT and brachytherapy, indicating longer follow-up is necessary. This work suggests that there was little clinical difference in dosimetry and toxicity. Further follow up will elucidate whether l","PeriodicalId":46420,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences","volume":"57 4","pages":"Article 102346"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148582460","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"From Stress to Strength: Initial results from University of Alberta undergraduate radiation therapy students within a cross-continent study on resilience and patient-centered care","authors":"Jen Dewhurst,&nbsp;Lauren Oliver,&nbsp;Bridget Porritt,&nbsp;Mike Kirby,&nbsp;Dennis Weber,&nbsp;Brian Chwyl","doi":"10.1016/j.jmir.2026.102413","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmir.2026.102413","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>Explore links between resilience and patient-centred care (PCC) in RT students across Alberta and Liverpool.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Mixed-methods; CD-RISC10 resilience and adapted AHS Voice of Patients for PCC; focus groups for qualitative analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>14/36 (39%) responded; mean CD-RISC10 = 29.6/40; TROF: regulation 92.9%, flexibility 85.7%, self-efficacy 80.2%, optimism 66.7%, attention-under-stress 50%; PCC ALUS: communication 95%, respect/listening 90.9%, involvement 90%, team coordination 80%.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>High resilience in several dimensions; optimism and attention-under-stress lower; PCC perceptions high; findings can inform curriculum and student supports.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46420,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences","volume":"57 4","pages":"Article 102413"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148582453","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Improvement of Radiation Therapy Through Staff Scheduling Optimization","authors":"Anita Vloet,&nbsp;Philip Wong,&nbsp;IVADO Labs Team,&nbsp;eSummit Team","doi":"10.1016/j.jmir.2026.102380","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmir.2026.102380","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Purpose/Aim&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Manual scheduling of radiation therapist shifts at our institution is time‑consuming and error‑prone, leading to frequent revisions, unpredictability, and significant administrative burden on supervisors. These inefficiencies limit supervisors’ ability to focus on mentoring, research, and quality improvement. Staff experience also suffers as frequent schedule changes reduce predictability, undermine trust, and disrupt continuity of patient–therapist interaction which is critical for high‑quality care. With workforce shortages and rising efficiency demands, our department identified the need for a data‑driven, equitable, and scalable scheduling solution. The MySHIFT.AI project was initiated to improve staffing consistency, increase shift coverage, reduce manual work, and support transparent scheduling.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Methods/Process&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;MySHIFT.AI was developed collaboratively by IVADO Labs, eSummit - an electronic workforce management and scheduling platform, and subject matter experts (SMEs) from our department. Integrated into the eSummit platform, the tool uses historical data on staffing patterns, work area requirements, availability, competencies, and union rules. Four scheduling modes were created: Initial Schedule Creation (UC1), Weekly Rescheduling for Provisional Shifts (UC2A), Weekly Rescheduling for Mandatory Shifts (UC2B), and Daily Rescheduling (UC3). Development was iterative, with SMEs validating scenarios, refining the interface, and testing over 100 cases to ensure alignment with workflows and operational constraints. Key enhancements included improved consistency objectives, better off‑rotation support, expanded logic for primary work areas, and a streamlined interface.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results or Benefits/Challenges&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Initial testing indicates that MySHIFT.AI can significantly improve operational efficiency by reducing reliance on institutional memory and increasing transparency. Staff experience is expected to benefit from more predictable schedules and equitable rotations. The tool also supports scalability across other departments. Currently, full clinical adoption is still underway. The primary challenge is change management, as transitioning from manual scheduling to an automated model requires workflow redesign and cultural adaptation. While technical integration was successful, building user confidence and readiness has been more complex than anticipated. Strategies such as stakeholder engagement, superuser champions, incremental rollout, hands‑on training, and transparent communication are being implemented. Continued efforts in training and leadership support remain essential for broad and sustained adoption.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Conclusions/Impact&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Before optimization, scheduling instability was significant: staff were assigned to multiple locations (up to five work areas weekly), and over 70% of shifts required multiple edits. Staffing fluctuated widely, compro","PeriodicalId":46420,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences","volume":"57 4","pages":"Article 102380"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148565119","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Beyond Standardization: A Clinically Governed Decision-Support Approach to Radiation Therapy Treatment Scheduling Using GrayOS","authors":"Edwin Chan,&nbsp;Stephanie Sae,&nbsp;Elizabeth Ourumis","doi":"10.1016/j.jmir.2026.102382","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmir.2026.102382","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Purpose/Aim&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Radiation Oncology (RO) treatment scheduling has become increasingly complex due to variations in treatment techniques across linear accelerators, machine compatibility requirements, departmental operational needs and unit capacity optimization. This complexity has significantly increased the manual coordination by the Program Clerical Support (PCS) team and Radiation Therapists, leading to operational inefficiencies and reduced flexibility in accommodating patient needs. The aim of this practice innovation was to introduce GrayOS as a clinically governed decision-support platform that combines standardized treatment logic with customized, patient-centered and operational specific information to support efficient and flexible treatment scheduling.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Methods/Process&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;GrayOS was implemented within RO through a multidisciplinary project team including PCS team, Resource Radiation Therapists and the GrayOS team. A systematic MOSAIQ database query was conducted to identify all standard treatment activities associated with each RO Care Plan. These activities formed the foundation of the standardized booking logic, including number of treatment appointments, treatment duration and delivery technique. Deterministic activities, such as case review, weekly review appointments, follow-up appointments and patient education sessions, were mapped to each Care Plan in the appropriate sequence. Clinically informed logics were developed from ground up to reflect local operational realities and departmental workflow, such as scheduling based on provincial urgency categories, defined clinical hours, and appointments-locking requirements. To ensure a patient-centered approach within this framework, a patient-specific override questionnaire was developed in our electronic medical record (EMR). This allows customized information, such as patient time preferences and clinically approved deviation from Care Plan standards, to be incorporated into the algorithm when generating the scheduling solution. This customization decreased the learning curve of PCS staff in the new booking system as well as repetitive manual inputs within the booking system. All outputs remain subject to a human review and approval by PCS staff to ensure appropriate appointments.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results or Benefits/Challenges&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;The multidisciplinary project team approach ensured engagement from all key stakeholders and contributed to successful implementation. The blended standardized and patient-centred approach improves efficiency in treatment booking by reducing time required to schedule appointments and decreasing manual coordination steps. Booking decisions became more consistent as appointments were driven by Care Plans and operational logic. GrayOS enabled access to aggregated operational data, supporting analysis of machine capacity utilization, workload distribution across treatment units, and reconciliation of wait time d","PeriodicalId":46420,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences","volume":"57 4","pages":"Article 102382"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148565121","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}