ADDRESSING NEW TECHNOLOGIES AT UPMC SAN PIETRO FBF

On September 17, 2016, the UPMC San Pietro FBF Advanced Radiotherapy Center in Rome hosted an event to discuss “Key Technology Issues in the Management of Oncology Patients,” organized with the support of AITRO, Associazione Italiana Tecnici di Radioterapia Oncologica, and the National Federation of Medical Imaging Radiology and Radiotherapy Technicians.

The goal of the event was to share the knowledge and experience acquired with the use of new radiotherapy technologies while never shifting focus from the patient. Technology advances have led to better treatments, but also to a greater involvement on the part of the patient in the treatment preparation (e.g., nutrition, daily habits).

The first part of the event focused on more clinical issues, such as new radiotherapy techniques for the different body regions, as well as the latest autocontouring and autoplanning techniques, and advanced treatment verification systems. One session was dedicated to the UPMC radiotherapy centers in Italy, United States, and Ireland.  The event covered also other topics, including the role of medical radiology technicians and nurses, and the necessary skills to work in an increasingly international environment .

UPMC is a forerunner in the use of the electronic medical record, therefore attention was given also to the electronic management of patients’ records.  A part of the event was also dedicated to the field of integrative oncology, i.e., all support activities that can improve the quality of life of oncology patients while on treatment.

This event is one of a series of initiatives launched by UPMC San Pietro FBF Advanced Radiotherapy Center to spread and share the best medical, scientific and technical knowledge in order to keep providing patients with the care that best meets their needs.

More than 50 technicians of radiotherapy oncology, nurses, doctors and students from different regions of central Italy, attended the event. For participants the event was very challenging and useful, and they sent several messages to the UPMC Center San Pietro FBF, showing their appreciation:

I would like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to attend the event, which I found very interesting. Congratulations to all of you for the professionalism and the outstanding organization.