Search

The critical role of knowledge management (KM) is facilitating the smooth operation of academic libraries and fostering professional growth. While substantial research focuses on defining knowledge management, exploring its theoretical frameworks, and underscoring its relevance within academic library environments, there remains a paucity of empirical studies addressing the practical implementation and subsequent effects of KM practices. This article seeks to bridge the gap by delineating effective strategies for the adoption of KM best practices, alongside a reflective examination of the lessons learned during the process within a university library's IT department. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Radiotherapy plays a key role in the multidisciplinary management of oesophageal cancers across neoadjuvant, definitive and palliative settings. Improved precision in radiotherapy planning and delivery techniques have allowed treating disease with tighter margins reducing toxicity. In this study, we examine the appropriateness of current practice in defining the planning target volume (PTV). Methods: This is a single institutional retrospective study of patients who received radiotherapy for oesophageal cancers using volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) during 2020. All cone‐beam computerised tomography (CBCT) scans were reviewed to assess whether PTV expansions appropriately accounted for tumour motion and interfractional variation. Results: Of the 27 patients, 2 (7%), 5 (19%) and 20 (74%) had cervical, thoracic and distal/gastro‐oesophageal junction (GOJ) disease, respectively. 16 (59%) had adenocarcinoma and 9 (33%) had squamous cell carcinoma. 9 of 20 distal/GOJ patients were planned and treated according to the institutional stomach filling protocol. 521/528 (98.7%) CBCTs demonstrated adequate target coverage. Cervical, thoracic and GOJ regions demonstrated adequate target coverage in 57/58, 96/97 and 368/373 CBCTs with median PTV expansions of 5, 7 and 7 mm, respectively. In four patients with GOJ disease, CBCT review identified five episodes where the target volume was insufficiently covered during the treatment course. Conclusion: In this single institutional retrospective study, for the vast majority of patients, our institutional practice of defining PTV margins achieved satisfactory target treatment. The interfractional variations observed in patients with GOJ tumours due to target motion and variable gastric volume, highlights the role of further refinements to motion management techniques in this cohort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical practice guidelines for gynecologic cancers have been developed by academic society from several countries. Each guideline reflected their own insurance system and unique medical environment, based on the published evidence. The Korean Society of Gynecologic Oncology (KSGO) published the first edition of practice guidelines for gynecologic cancer treatment in late 2006; the second edition was released in July 2010 as an evidence-based recommendation. The Guidelines Revision Committee was established in 2015 and decided to develop the third edition of the guidelines in an advanced format based on evidence-based medicine, embracing up-to-date clinical trials and qualified Korean data. These guidelines cover strategies for diagnosis and treatment of primary and recurrent cervical cancer. The committee members and many gynecologic oncologists derived key questions through discussions, and a number of relevant scientific literature were reviewed in advance. Recommendations for each specific question were developed by the consensus conference, and they are summarized here, along with the details. The objective of these practice guidelines is to establish standard policies on issues in clinical practice related to the management in cervical cancer based on the results in published papers to date and the consensus of experts as a KSGO Consensus Statement.

Objective: To evaluate the perceptions of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) initiated workplace strategies implemented in radiation oncology departments across Australia. Methods: A multidisciplinary team from Princess Alexandra Hospital developed a survey to address the impact of the pandemic strategies on areas such as patient care, staff education, well-being, flexible working arrangements, and research. The survey was conducted from November 2020 to April 2021. Results: Out of 210 respondents from seven institutions, 45% reported burnout and 57% experienced work work-related stress. A significant majority of respondents were in favour of continued remote work (86%, 131/153). Radiation oncologists identified administrative or non-clinical work (92%, 34/37), telehealth clinics (32%, 12/37), or radiation therapy planning (22%, 8/37) as suitable for remote work. Additionally, 54% (21/39) of the radiation oncologists plan to use telehealth more frequently, with 67% (26/39) feeling more confident with the technology. The majority (81%, 171/210) of participants favoured continuation of hybrid in-person and virtual meetings. Virtual solutions were adopted for quality assurance activities (72%, 118/165) and 52% (60/116) indicated preference for ongoing utility of virtual platforms. However, 38% (79/210) of the respondents expressed concerns about the negative impact on junior staff training. Conclusion: These findings reveal a strong inclination towards technological advancements and remote work arrangements to enable flexible working conditions. Our study suggests the need for ongoing reforms, focusing on improving clinical service delivery efficiencies and enhancing job satisfaction among clinicians. What is known about the topic? During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic there were significant adaptations required to the delivery of clinical care. What does this paper add? There is a strong preference for ongoing work from home arrangements, especially for administrative and non-clinical work. Most radiation oncologists feel more confident using telehealth and favour its ongoing use post-pandemic. Burnout and stress remain prevalent within the workforce. What are the implications for practitioners? There is a high demand among the radiation oncology workforce for adoption of technological advances to improve work satisfaction including remote access to enable flexible work arrangements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]