MDS Nordion launched Oncentra Oncology Information Management, the world's first truly open and integrated information management system designed specifically for oncology. This new information management solution will help hospitals and oncology centers harmonize information systems and equipment, increase workflow efficiency and improve patient care.

Oncentra Oncology Information Management is part of Oncentra, MDS Nordion's complete suite of oncology solutions. Oncentra encompasses the entire treatment process including information management, treatment planning, and treatment delivery.

Oncentra is comprised of modules including an electronic patient folder, enterprise resource scheduler, treatment planning, simulation and a record and verify system. Each module is based on a highly successful stand-alone application currently in clinical use that can operate as part of the Oncentra solution or as an independent application. Oncentra Oncology Information Management is integral to every stage of the treatment process, permitting seamless interaction between the specialized modules and treatment equipment.

Oncentra has already been installed at the Center for Cancer Treatment in Kristiansand, Norway. Installation of an integrated Oncentra Electronic Patient Folder, Resource Scheduler and DICOM Archive is underway at a number of centres in Europe as well as at Self Memorial Hospital in South Carolina.

At the heart of Oncentra is a scalable DICOM Archive enabling oncology professionals to store complete patient information including images in one secure location. Information can be accessed from workstations within the oncology clinic as well as remotely using secure network connections. The standardized archive allows clinics to integrate their systems with any DICOM-compliant equipment and applications, regardless of vendor.

By eliminating the need for the traditional paper-based information from patient forms to X-ray and CT images, Oncentra allows clinicians to have access to complete patient information at the point of care. This saves oncologists, physicists and therapists a substantial amount of time from searching for information that may be stored in separate locations.