Premium Essay

Challenges in Radiation Therapy

In:

Submitted By jampiq
Words 626
Pages 3
What do you believe are the greatest challenges facing the sector or industry you would like to specialize in at IE? What role do you hope to be able to play in this sector or industry in the medium term?

The management of information systems in cancer is one of the major challenges facing our sector, with two big aspects being identified as key problems: medical knowledge and medical data management. Regarding the first topic, there is currently a status of medical information overload due to the exponential growth of research in cancer in the recent years. For example, the 5427 articles about cancer that were published in the medical literature in 1950 are substantially below the 100450 papers of the same topic on 2013. With this load of information, it a laborious challenge for the physician to acquire, select and share credible information that assembles our evidence based clinical decision making.

The other challenge is the adequate management of medical data. It is important to recall that a key function of any information system must ensure that reliable health data gets in time to the corresponding actor, be it for decision making, management or statistical report. There are medical reports at each level of care (primary care, cancer center, district, state) that must be produced for the different cancer strategies (prevention, diagnosis, treatment). Since most of the different actors are not integrated, there is a high risk of data redundancy, missing information and delays in data transfer and analysis. Therefore, we have an information system that is obsolete, fragmented and redundant but at the same time losing an opportunity to identify cases of disease aggregation that may prompt specific preventive and therapeutic activities in order to reduce disease and cost burden.

To ensure the reform of the system, a deep research on roles and processes

Similar Documents

Free Essay

When Radiation Therapy Kills 1

...When Radiation therapy Kills? Case Study Mar, 5, 2012 Submitted To: DR. Hassan M. Selim Prepared by: Group 4 Khaled Al Qubaisi Waleed Al Zaabi Ali Al Tamimi Mohamed Al Jefri Summary The new radiation therapy comes with high expected from manufacturers, doctors and technicians a long with the hospitals and state oversight agencies to cure people illness from cancers; however, what if these complex machines show the negative impact of technology and its power to kill people and steal the hope of having a healthy life! Also, in many cases, low software design, poor human – machine interfaces and lack proper training are other reasons of hospital failing to cure people who have cancer. This case study illustrates how bad radiation therapy machines are and the carelessness of technicians using these machines; both cause people death. Some examples regarding the awry of radiation treatment are the death of Scott Jerome-Parks and Jn-Charles. Jerome-Parks has tongue cancer and after getting dosages of radiation, his illness becomes worse. This is because of machine malfunctions and technicians error in using it. What has happened to him is that his brain and neck has exposed to a big amount of the radiation because of a computer error as technician uses the new multi-leaf collimator. As a result, he has deafness, near blindness, teeth falling out and difficulty in breathing and eventually he died. The other patient, Jn-Charles, was having aggressive breast cancer and...

Words: 1255 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Radiotherapy Failure

...average of less than 30% of all cancer patients having access to any services is totally unacceptable. 8 There is a lot that the international community can do such as supporting global partnerships and joint programs. To meet the needs of the growing number of cancer patients, a complete solution will need to be developed that can address all dimensions of radiotherapy acquisition and use. With the assistance of world-wide joint efforts, the ever-growing number of patients in LMIC’s will be able to have access to the radiotherapy treatment that they require. More affordable solutions to the cancer epidemic are urgently essential. The number of those afflicted with the disease climbs and the global impact of cancer continues to grow. Radiation therapy is an essential component of cancer treatment and must be made available to all who need...

Words: 1665 - Pages: 7

Free Essay

Management Info Systems Ethics Hw

...1) There are five steps involved in an ethical analysis. The first is identifying and clearly describing the facts, which will be used to help define the solution. Second, you must define the conflict and identify the higher-order values involved. This is because the parties usually claim during a dispute they are all pursuing higher values. Third, stakeholders should be identified so you can figure out what they want, which might also be used later when figuring out a solution. Fourth, you must identify the options that you can reasonably take, even though this may not satisfy all the stakeholders. Finally, you must identify the potential consequences of your actions. This would include looking at the consequences from various points of views. There are also six ethical principles that can be used to help. One principle is called the Golden Rule, which is to do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Another principle is Descartes’ Rule of Change. This principle states that if an action cannot be taken repeatedly, it is not right to take at all. Another principle would be the Risk Aversion Principle. This one says you should take the action that produces the least harm or least potential cost. There is also Immanuel Kant’s Categorical Imperative, which first has you evaluate the action. If the action is not right for everyone to take, then it is not the right one to take at all. Another principle would be the Utilitarian Principle, which says that one should do the action...

Words: 1596 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Camp Kesem Personal Statement

...within me. Camp Kesem is a non-profit, student led organization that provides a week long camp to children, ages 6-16, who have been impacted by a parent’s diagnosis of cancer. When I was first accepted as a program counselor, I remember being told that camp would “change my life”. At the time this statement seemed cliché at best and rather cheesy in nature- I found it rang true. In many ways, that week of lessons, successes, practices, and failures provided me with both a meaningful context for life and the dynamic of the patient-professional relationship that medicine requires. The critical connection of intellect, empathy, and hope required of radiation therapists is a balancing act; one...

Words: 652 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Summary: Scientific Lense Of Nuclear Proliferation

...nonproliferation regime is rising quickly and in the near future could change the future of nuclear proliferation. The commonly known treaty known as NPT(Non-Proliferation Treaty) was put in place to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and use nuclear energy in peaceful ways(Davis). The nuclear nonproliferation has an organization called the International Atomic Energy Agency. The future of nuclear proliferation really depends on the activeness of the nuclear nonproliferation regime and the treaties they create(Davis). Joe Biden, former Vice President, says “Yet nuclear weapons—the proliferation of this deadly knowledge to more nations, and the possibility of a terrorist obtaining nuclear materials—remain among our most pressing security challenges”(Remarks by the Vice President on Nuclear Security). The future of the nuclear weapons is a scary one and is dependent on countries coming together to create peace. Guy Roberts who is the author of “The Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction” works in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Roberts went to Naval War College and now works in the department of the Navy. Zachary Davis is the author of “The Nuclear Nonproliferation Regime”. Davis is an analyst of nuclear programs...

Words: 1134 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Magnetic Nanoparticle in Cancer Therapy

...Summary Magnetic nanoparticles have allowed for many breakthroughs in cancer therapy. They are currently being implemented with cancer diagnostics, which allows healthcare professionals to image where cancerous areas reside in the body. For example, magnetic nanoparticle have been utilized in conjunction with MRI scans to greatly increase the image contrast, leading to the detection of small and otherwise undetectable prostate cancer metastases. Additionally, nanoparticles are being used as a physical means of destroying tumorous tissue by the use of Magnetic Nanoparticle Hyperthermia. This technology uses the power of magnets to oscillate iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles to create heat in the form of kinetic energy and has shown to drastically reduce the size of brain tumors when compared to patients who have no treatment at all. Beyond their use as diagnostics and physical tools to destroy cancerous tumors, magnetic nanoparticles are also used as a delivery agent for gene therapy. For example, magnetic nanoparticles have shown to increase the half life of the various biological matter such as DNA and RNA so that it can reach the intended target before the body’s immune response destroys the magnetic gene delivery system. In the future, research will be focused on pharmacokinetics of the nanoparticles, ensuring the nanoparticles can stay in the body for longer periods of time and that the body reacts in a positive manner to the magnetic nanoparticles. Introduction ...

Words: 4452 - Pages: 18

Free Essay

Alternative Treatment Paper

...Alternative therapies for cancer treatment HCS/436 April 29, 2014 Maria Libano Alternative Therapies for Cancer Treatment Treatment for terminal illness nowadays in most advance nation, in the domain of medicine, is not limited to single absolute regimen or perhaps, couple of so called convectional fashion of tackling a terminal disease such as any for cancer. There have been some successful testimonies from patient who adopted alternative means to treat cancer or complimentary methods to tackle the cancer. To illustrate this, Tamara St. John in her “Defeat Cancer Now” depicts how she conquered cancer by adopting alternative measures because she despised all the side effects from chemotherapy and radiation therapy way of treating breast cancer. It was a success. Currently and beside complimentary or supplementary regimen to treat cancer, different options are available for alternative therapies for cancer treatment including acupuncture, spiritual aspect as in prayer, meditation, support group, just to name a few. Most people agreed upon that “ there is no harm in trying” which implies that if a person is going through difficulties especially an illness such as cancer, they will try different option that are available to them, in order to cope. Alternative therapies and treatment can also be utilized to maintain and sustain life. “The uses of complementary and alternative therapies continue to increase within the population” (Henderson & Donatelle, 2004...

Words: 1041 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Bystander Effect Research Paper

...Radiation Induced Bystander Effect Bystander effect was first demonstrated back in 1954 when cells exposed to low doses of LET radiation were found to have an indirect effect in producing a plasma—borne factor, which led to chromosome breakage and cytogenic abnormalities in human bone marrow or lymphocytes and caused tumors in rats [2]. An experiment conducted by Nagasawa in 1992 proved the existence of Bystander effect. The study showed that irradiation of 1% cells with alpha particles resulted in a chromatid exchange in more than 30% of the cells. Since the effect was observed in the cells that were not targeted but were in close proximity to the targeted cells; therefore they were called bystander cells and the effect was collect the bystander...

Words: 324 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Group Challenges

...independently and others like to work alongside people in a group. Working as a group is definitely a challenge, but it is something that will be encountered all throughout our professional lives. Throughout the semester, group projects have taught us the skills necessary for collaborating with others efficiently and effectively. For example, coming into the Radiation Therapy Program, my classmates and I did not know each other very well. We were assigned a semester long group project and were forced to work together to complete the project. After getting over the initial shyness, we were able to effectively work together and create a great final product....

Words: 548 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Bystander Effect Essay

...when cells are irradiated with ionizing radiation, the biological effects of this is expected in the cell population that received the radiation and not the in the cells that haven’t received any radiation. However, this was disproved by the occurrence of radiation induced bystander effect. Bystander effect was first demonstrated back in 1954 when cells exposed to low doses of LET radiation were found to have an indirect effect in producing a plasma—borne factor, which led to chromosome breakage and cytogenic abnormalities in human bone marrow or lymphocytes and caused tumors in rats [1]. An experiment conducted by Nagasawa in 1992 proved the existence of Bystander effect. The study showed that irradiation of 1% cells with alpha...

Words: 475 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Approach to Care of Cancer

...that causes cancer. Determining the cause of cancer can be complex, even though more advanced technology have made it much better now to diagnose the disease. Studies have shown that obesity, tobacco use, environmental pollutants, certain diet increases the risk for cancer (National Cancer Institute, 2014). The symptoms of cancer can vary depending on where the cancer is formed, where it has spread and the size of the tumor. The fear of dealing with the disease causes stress and depression for the patient. Understanding the prognosis of cancer is important when planning a variety of options for treatment (National Cancer Institute, 2014). This paper will focus on the stages of cancer, side effects from treatment such as chemotherapy and radiation, how to lessen physiologic and psychological effects for patients with cancer. Cancer is diagnosed by experts who study a cell or tissue under the microscope. Medical exams such as ultrasound, endoscopy, blood draws for cancer marker test, and biopsies, computed tomography (CT), pap smears, mammograms...

Words: 1485 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Rectal Cancer

...Colon cancer develops in the large intestine (colon), the lower part of your digestive system. Rectal cancer develops in the rectum, which makes up the last several inches of your intestinal tract. Together, they're referred to as colorectal cancers. Rectal cancer begins as small clumps of cells called polyps. Although most polyps are noncancerous (benign), some become cancerous over time. Regular screening to find and remove precancerous polyps can prevent rectal cancer from developing. Changes in your diet and lifestyle — such as healthy eating and increasing your physical activity — can help prevent polyps from forming, greatly reducing your risk of rectal cancer. Colon cancerEmail this page to a friendShare on facebookShare on twitterBookmark & SharePrinter-friendly version Colon, or colorectal, cancer is cancer that starts in the large intestine (colon) or the rectum (end of the colon). Other types of cancer can affect the colon. These include lymphoma, carcinoid tumors, melanoma, and sarcomas. These are rare. In this article, colon cancer refers to colon carcinoma only. Causes Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Early diagnosis, though, can often lead to a complete cure. Almost all colon cancers start in glands in the lining of the colon and rectum. When doctors talk about colorectal cancer, this is usually what they are talking about. There is no single cause of colon cancer. Nearly all colon...

Words: 5765 - Pages: 24

Premium Essay

Me Trying to Learn

...Cervical Cancer Leilani S. Haynes Miller-Motte College Research dedicated to the memory of my late grandmother, Ms. Susie Pittman. Cervical Cancer Cancer is a disease caused when abnormal cells divide uncontrollably in any part of the body. Cervical cancer is a gender specific disease that originates in the lining of the cervix; located in the lower part of a woman’s womb. This area is called the uterus. The women affected will also face a number of other life altering challenges. These challenges include, but are not limited to, infertility. Although it is unclear what the definite cause of cervical cancer is, HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) is a known culprit. HPV is a very common virus among women, but not all women will develop cancer. Researchers have identified some inherited factors that can lead to the genetic connection of cervical cancer, however, it has not been scientifically proven to be a genetic disease. Although some women will skate through life without knowing or experiencing cervical cancer, it affects millions of women: Cancer of the cervix is the second most common cancer in women worldwide and is a leading cause of cancer-related death in women in underdeveloped countries. Worldwide, approximately 500,000 cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed each year. In the United States, routine screening has decreased the incidence of cervical cancer—approximately 12,900 cases are diagnosed and 4,100 deaths occur each year. (Cervical Cancer, 2015) Knowing the...

Words: 769 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

The Challenges of Engineering

...The Challenges of an Engineer April 15, 2010 Name Department of Electrical Engineering University of South Carolina Columbia, SC 29208 Name April 14, 2010 ELCT 361 ABET Paper The Challenges of an Engineer As technology gets more advanced, there is a higher need for power. Even though we are in a recession, the demand for power has not decreased as much as most areas. Of course there are power plants present and specifically placed in certain locations, but there are other factors that needed to be taken into account. One of these factors is how the power is going to be delivered to the upcoming businesses. The answer to this question is power lines. Power lines are one of the cheapest was to deliver power across a distance. They are connected to tall posts which are convenient for the business and the power company. The heights at which they are located are far enough above ground that there is less noise and interference. Things such as builds or walls interfere with the electric and magnetic field that is being given off by the power lines. The problem really affects cities the most. In most major cities such as New York, there is no land to really build on so much business and homes build up. This is quite apparent because New York houses some of the world’s tallest buildings. One of which is the Empire State Building. Aside from this, the power companies still have to run and deliver power to the homes and businesses. The problem is the health problems...

Words: 1576 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Survivorship Care

...A Case Study: Integration of Survivorship Care Plans and Treatment Summaries into Oncological Care Joyce Ross, RN, BSN, OCN University of Cincinnati Due: Monday, July 9, 2012 Professor: Jennifer McCord Course Number: 29NURS858 Section 701 Clinical Nurse Specialist/Nurse Educator Practicum III Author Guidelines for the Journal of Oncology Navigation and Survivorship The guidelines that must be adhered to in order to facilitate the editorial and production process for the Journal of Oncology Navigation and Survivorship include: * Manuscripts must be original and not published previously * Format requirements must be followed entirely * Authors are required to sign a Copyright Transfer Form * Authors must receive written permission to reuse or adapt any tables or figures that have been previously published The required manuscript format must be followed entirely and include: * Title page with the proper title, names and affiliations of all authors * Abstract with no more that 250 words that describes the main objectives and why the article is important * Conclusion with comments that offer rationale for the article and what it adds to the literature * Double spaced manuscript and numbered pages that are consecutive * Tables and figures must be cited in text * The length should be 2500-3000 words, plus tables and figures * Images must be saved as individual files * Provide all authors and highest academic degree and affiliations ...

Words: 2606 - Pages: 11