Author: Abdelfatah Abdalla Nemer Abdelsalam, Elmubarak M. Ahmed, Sarah A. Ashmeg, M. Saiful Huq, Alsadeg Awad Alamin Mohamed, Ali Sid Ahmed Mohammed, Christopher Tyerech 👨🔬
Affiliation: UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Radiation Oncology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Medical Science and Technology, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Tumor Therapy and Cancer Research Center, Al Neelain University 🌍
Purpose: Severe conflict in Sudan has led to the closure of several cancer services within the country. With new centers in development by an IAEA and Rays of Hope initiative, many barriers exist in meeting educational and training demands. This abstract attempts to highlight Sudan’s current needs and demonstrate how virtual and augmented reality services can address such challenges
Methods: To meet the needs of both current and planned centers, we propose a virtual and augmented reality-based educational system. It allows trained medical physicists from the international community to provide expertise without being physically present in the clinic. This software will include 3D renderings of Linacs, QA tools, and other accessories to meet the needs of medical physics and radiation oncology. Critical topics such as cobalt source exchange, reference dosimetry, 3D conformal and IMRT training, and documentation will be covered. This training will complement in-person training provided by the IAEA, as well as webinars and sessions offered by various groups.
Results: After a thorough evaluation process, a vendor with proven virtual and augmented software solutions has been selected. They demonstrated an understanding of the educational needs and provided a comprehensive plan to implement these technologies into our training programs. Their proposed solutions include detailed 3D renderings, interactive simulations, and robust communication tools, designed to enhance the training of medical professionals in radiation oncology. By partnering with this program, we aim to overcome the challenges posed by limited access to training resources and international sanctions, ultimately improving the quality of education and patient care in Sudan.
Conclusion: Despite the ongoing war, resulting in a displacement of 8.6 million people, Sudan has the potential to enhance its limited radiation therapy services. Virtual and augmented reality-based training offers a viable solution to deliver updated education and training where it is most needed.