Clinical Scripting and Automation Workshop

 June 5, 2024 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

About the workshop

In-house software (whether stand-alone or integrated with vendor software environment) developed by medical physicist is increasingly used to improve productivity and quality/safety in radiotherapy. Vendor training and community forums have greatly reduced the technical learning curve of scripting and programing. However, success in automation also resulted in growing complexity, creating systems and structural challenges difficult for individuals and institutions.

The workshop is an opportunity for medical physicists to network, share experiences, and overcome challenges associated with developing and implementing automation software solutions. Participant interaction and discussion will be encouraged.

Target audience

Medical physicists who are involved in (or are interested in) developing and implementing automation software solutions in clinical environment. There are no restrictions on the vendor scripting environment; all participants are welcome.

Goals and learning objectives

The overall goal of the workshop is to encourage national-level networking and discussions on the challenges faced when implementing in-house software into the clinical environment.

At the conclusion of the workshop, participants should have the following:

1. An overview of the scripting and automation projects across Canada
2. An understanding of the challenges and some possible solutions
3. Ideas and inspiration to bring back and incorporate into their work

Detailed program

Program planning is underway and details will be update here. The workshop will aim to address the following topics:

• Automation change management
• Multi-institutional implementation
• Administrative support model
• Planning automation
• Data mining and analytics

Proposed sessions:

• Current state of automation
• Highlight speaker
• Invited speakers
• Successes and challenges

Registration

Register for the workshop as an optional add-on purchase during your COMP ASM registration. The registration fees are as follows:

Spots are limited to ensure the number of participants is conducive to discussions while ensuring representation across the country. If registrations are waitlisted, the team will re-evaluate and strive to accommodate as many on the waitlist as feasible. 

Rapid presentation (optional)

Participants will have the option to present their work during a rapid presentation session, contributing to an overview of the automation landscape in Canada.

Registered participants will receive a link to submit a short abstract. Abstracts will be reviewed by the organizing committee and participants will be notified of abstract acceptance.

Organizing team

• Michael Ayles (Maisonneuve-Rosemont)
• Nick Chng (BCCA Centre for the North)
• Michael Lamey (The Ottawa Hospital)
• Derek Liu (Cross Cancer Institute)
• Hali Morrison (Tom Baker Cancer Centre)
• Tony Tadic (Princess Margaret Hospital)