Bridging Innovation and Outreach to Overcome Global Gaps in Radiation Oncology through Information and Communication Tools (ICTs), Trainee Advancement, Engaging Industry, Attention to Ethical Challenges, and Political Advocacy

• Published in: Seminars in radiation oncology Vol. 27; no. 2; pp. 98 - 108
• Main Authors: Dad, Luqman, MD, Royce, Trevor J., MD, MS, Morris, Zachary, MD, PhD, Moran, Meena, MD, Pawlicki, Todd, PhD, Khuntia, Deepak, MD, Hardenbergh, Patricia, MD, Cummings, Bernard, MB, ChB, Mayr, Nina, M.D, Hu, Kenneth, MD
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.04.2017
• Subjects: Attention; Communication; Developing Countries; Diffusion of Innovation; Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Medicine; Humans; Information Dissemination; Politics; Radiation Oncology - education; Radiation Oncology - ethics; Radiology
• ISSN: 1053-4296; 1532-9461
• DOI: 10.1016/j.semradonc.2016.11.002

An evolving paradigm in global outreach in radiation oncology has been the implementation of a more region-specific, needs-based approach to help close the gap in radiation services to low and middle income countries (LMIC) through the use of innovative tools in information and communication technology (ICT). This report highlights 4 ICT tools in action today: 1) the NCCN Framework for Resource Stratification of NCCN guidelines, 2) ASTRO e-Contouring, 3) i.treatsafely.org, and 4) ChartRounds.com. We also render special consideration to matters related to global outreach that we believe require distinct attention in order to help us meet the goals established by the 2011 United Nations (UN) Declaration on non-communicable diseases (NCDs): 1) trainee advancement towards careers in global health, 2) ethical challenges of international outreach, 3) critical importance of political advocacy, and 4) collaboration with Industry.