Survey in radiation oncology departments in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland: state of digitalization by 2023
Beteiligte Einrichtungen
Abstract
PURPOSE: The aim of this work was to assess the current state of digitalization in radiation oncology departments in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
METHODS: A comprehensive survey was conducted in a digital format, consisting of 53 questions that covered various aspects of digitalization including patient workflow, departmental organization, radiotherapy planning, and employee-related aspects.
RESULTS: Overall, 120 forms were eligible for evaluation. Participants were mainly physicians or medical physicists responsible for digitalization aspects in their departments. Nearly 70% of the institutions used electronic patient records, with 50% being completely paperless. However, the use of smartphone apps for electronic patient reported outcomes (ePROMs) and digital health applications (DIGA) was limited (9% and 4.9%, respectively). In total, 70.8% of the radio-oncology departments had interfaces with diagnostic departments, and 36% had digital interchanges with other clinics. Communication with external partners was realized mainly through fax (72%), e‑mails (55%), postal letters (63%), or other digital exchange formats (28%). Almost half of the institutions (49%) had dedicated IT staff for their operations.
CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this survey is the first of its kind conducted in German-speaking radiation oncology departments within the medical field. The findings suggest that there is a varied level of digitalization implementation within these departments, with certain areas exhibiting lower rates of digitalization that could benefit from targeted improvement initiatives.
Bibliografische Daten
Originalsprache | Englisch |
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ISSN | 0179-7158 |
DOIs | |
Status | Veröffentlicht - 06.2024 |
Anmerkungen des Dekanats
© 2023. The Author(s).
PubMed | 38052968 |
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