ROPE

The ROPE database is an online application service provider (ASP) solution that can be accessed via any workstation, laptop or PDA with internet access. This easy, at-your-fingertips accessibility is key during difficult simulations or setups, state inspections, accreditation surveys, CQI reviews, etc. This application provides a 128-bit encrypted server that stores QA information securely.

The current version includes: 

• Tracking and documenting patient QA performed by the nurse, physician, physicist, dosimetrist, therapist, dietician and social services. Many of these QA items are required by JCAHO, recommended by the ACR or are standard practices in the radiation oncology community. Data generated will provide valuable clinical information in a reportable format. 

• A personnel component allows the manager to easily track employee information such as JCAHO required inservices as well as national and state mandated continuing education credits. An e-mail mechanism lets the manager and employee know when key dates for performance evaluations, licensure renewals, and TB tests are due. This form can be easily accessed during a JCAHO survey or can be printed and placed in the employee's file.

• An equipment section of the database allows the user to document daily, weekly, monthly and annual QA for the linear accelerator, simulator and treatment planning system based on recommendations set by the AAPM Task Groups. Reports can be generated to provide a gap analysis on efficiency and time expended for equipment QA. Issues and maintenance tracking provides information to justify equipment updating and replacement.

• The ROPE database is fully integrated with the TMAT web portal, providing links to the policies, procedures and forms based on the ACR and JCAHO standards.  The information on the web portal is kept constantly updated with the latest changes in RO; therefore, new quality indicators are integrated into the ROPE database.  

The next version will include:

•  A reporting mechanism for Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI). This piece provides the necessary documentation recommended by the ACR for CQI reporting and gives the user the ability to generate and compile reports demonstrating improvements in quality.

• A brachytherapy source management section will provide ways of tracking radioactive material information such as : source identification, location logs, leak testing documentation, survey meter calibration records and sends email reminders to the medical physicist for source changes and recalibration dates, etc.

• Added to the equipment QA section will be the recommendations from the ACR  for CT and MRI accreditation.  

• Site customization will be available for those who want to track specific indicators unique to their facility.  . 

IMRT

The long awaited IMRT policies and forms have been uploaded to the web site. Level 3 subscribers have access to these policies and can download them at any time. These policies are templates designed to be customized for each facility.

Here is a glimpse of what the policies are like:

• IMRT Program Policy oulines what is involved with the authorization, scope and management of the program. 

• IMRT Roles and Responsibilities Policy uses the ACR recommendations for staff involvement. 

• IMRT Treatment Management Policies are site specific templates (prostate, head and neck and intracranial) that provide the following information: immobilization and contrast, simulation and scanning images, treatment planning, treatment verification and QA and treatment and schedule. This policy makes it easy for the facility to document all phases of the IMRT treatment process.
  

ASTRO 2003

Be sure to visit us at ASTRO 2003 in Salt Lake City, booth #1631. Come by for a demonstration of the ROPE database and register to win a digital camera!!!

REGISTRATION & PRICING

For information about free registration or subscribing to the web site, click on the registration link provided and complete the online form. After you have registered you will be able to view the Examples for Registered Users which has sample policies, procedures and forms.  The more feedback from working radiation oncology professionals we receive, the better we are able to provide you with the tools you need to provide 'best practices' in your clinic for your patients.  

For your convenience an online sales brochure, listing all documents on the web portal, and an invoice are on the registration page for you to download.

Please forward this e-mail to any of your friends and colleagues in radiation oncology that would benefit from the latest information, resources, and tools.

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