Florida radiation oncology clinic finds a reliable partner with Elekta ONE OIS
Software customization helps Palm Beach Gardens-based radiation oncology provider streamline tasks, save time and elevate care
In Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, the GenesisCare radiation oncology center stands out for its dedication to excellent patient care. Specializing in radiation therapy, the center – led by radiation oncologist Jerome Spunberg, MD – made significant advancements in 2021 by upgrading its dated linear accelerator with an Elekta Versa HD™ system and migrating its software to Elekta ONE® | OIS powered by MOSAIQ® and Elekta ONE® | Planning*.
Following a smooth transition and a little over two years’ experience with the new software, Dr. Spunberg found the Oncology Information System to be the perfect fit.
“We received phenomenal support from Elekta, in particular excellent training. A software specialist spent a lot of time with me one-on-one to dive deep into the features and configure the workspace I needed.”
“We needed a user-friendly and efficient software platform that would enable us to focus on managing our patients and provide high quality and compassionate care and determined Elekta ONE | OIS would provide those benefits,” Dr. Spunberg says. “We received phenomenal support from Elekta, in particular excellent training. A software specialist spent a lot of time with me one-on-one to dive deep into the features and configure the workspace I needed. I still call him now from time to time if I have a question, which is really reassuring.”
The go-live was very smooth, according to Dr. Spunberg. The center stopped treating on its previous linac, took a day off, then began treating patients with Versa HD the following day.
“It was an incredibly positive transition experience, and our staff took on our new systems with a great attitude,” he says. “Elekta staff remained on-site with us for a week after go-live, making sure we were comfortable with the new workflows and that we could troubleshoot any breaking-in issues. We were delighted with the smooth transition and at how well we adapted.”
Today, Elekta uses the Palm Beach Gardens center as a reference site for other cancer centers considering making a vendor switch – to explain the successful transition process and why staff members like the new equipment and software.
Standout features of the user-friendly system
Dr. Spunberg cites the layout of Elekta ONE OIS as a key feature, including the menus and the way workspaces and documents are displayed.
This is an extremely user-friendly system – it is organized in a way I like, making it comfortable for me to use,” he observes. “I particularly like the home screen, which gives me an excellent summary of what I need to do. I always go there first. In fact, following any time off, I log on the night before I go back to work, and I can see right away what I have to do.”
He adds that while the user interface was completely new to him initially, with the help of trainers and plenty of practice, the MOSAIQ workflows quickly became second nature to him.
“You can configure the software the way you like it – you can decide what you want to see displayed and design the templates just how you want them,” Dr. Spunberg explains. “Elekta’s software experts helped me with this customization and helped to transfer some templates over from my previous OIS, with some adjustments and improvements. They worked with me to make sure the layout is to my liking. My home screen is set up specifically for me. When I log on, it’s familiar and it’s a pleasure to use.”
Elekta ONE OIS has also proven to save time, he adds.
“I like the workflows and the task view on the home page – it’s very efficient. I can get my work done in a timely manner and in a way that works for me.”
“I like the workflows and the task view on the home page – it’s very efficient. I can get my work done in a timely manner and in a way that works for me. That means I can go home at a reasonable time, knowing that I've done everything on my task list.”
Effortless image management
According to Dr. Spunberg, image review and fusion on MOSAIQ has been effortless, noting that MOSAIQ has been particularly adept at fusing PET and CT scans, allowing him to optimize treatments easily with the clinic’s remote dosimetrist.
“I also enjoy showing images to my patients,” he says. “They will often ask about the treatment, and I can pull up the images easily in front of them. I can show them the anatomy and point out what we're treating and how we’re avoiding healthy organs.
“This is particularly helpful with left-sided breast cancer patients,” Dr. Spunberg adds.
“I can show them the difference between a breath hold and a non-breath hold plan to demonstrate how their lung or heart is being spared and why it's beneficial for them to hold their breath during treatment. A picture is worth a thousand words.”
Smooth sailing two years in
Dr. Spunberg says he appreciates the intensive upfront training he and his colleagues received on their new software, which made the transition a positive and pleasant experience for them.
“I've gained a real appreciation for Elekta ONE OIS. It has become second nature to me, and it fits in well at our clinic, making everything more seamless.”
“I've gained a real appreciation for Elekta ONE OIS,” he says. “It has become second nature to me, and it fits in well at our clinic, making everything more seamless. The software makes it easy to get started in the morning and get my work done. It runs well and it matches my style. I have no trouble logging in or out. I can complete my documents and check images very easily. My plans are delivered well. So, in summary, I and my coworkers are very happy.”
Learn more about our Elekta ONE software suite.
*When the Palm Beach Gardens site upgraded their software, Elekta’s software suite had not yet been integrated into the Elekta ONE umbrella. At that time, Elekta ONE OIS referred to the MOSAIQ Oncology Information System, and Elekta ONE | Planning referred to the Monaco treatment planning system. Elekta ONE is comprised of multiple Elekta solutions, some of which may not yet be available in all markets.
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