Measuring and improving radiotherapy delivery efficiency

IF 0.3 Q4 RADIOLOGY, NUCLEAR MEDICINE & MEDICAL IMAGING

Journal of Radiotherapy in Practice Pub Date : 2022-04-04 DOI:10.1017/S146039692200005X

A. Cooke, C. Holborn

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: The researcher’s centre was in a unique position of merging with another established radiotherapy centre to create a Satellite Site. It was noted that the Satellite Site delivered more fractions per linac within the same working day profile as the Main Site. Subtle differences in the workflows allowed for an appraisal of the processes within a fraction of radiotherapy and how this can be refined to improve efficiency. Methods: Retrospective fraction timings were collected using the Oncology Information System for 98 breast and prostate treatments at both sites. A literature review was also conducted to further explore factors that impact fraction timings in other departments internationally. Results: Breast and prostate treatments took 2·1 and 2·93 minutes, respectively, longer to deliver at the Main Site. Set-up to the isocentre and verification image assessment took significantly longer in all cases at the Main Site. Literature surrounding efficiency is scarce but suggests methods used for online management of verification imaging significantly impacts appointment times. Conclusion: Implementation of a paperless workflow and process improvements for image assessment such as introducing a traffic light protocol may reduce the time to deliver a fraction of radiotherapy and maximise service efficiency.

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测量和提高放射治疗的输送效率

摘要简介：研究人员的中心处于一个独特的位置，可以与另一个已建立的放射治疗中心合并，创建一个卫星站点。据指出，卫星站点在与主站点相同的工作日内为每个直线加速器提供了更多的分数。工作流程中的细微差异允许评估放疗的一小部分过程，以及如何改进以提高效率。方法：使用肿瘤学信息系统收集两个部位98例乳腺癌和前列腺癌治疗的回顾性分期时间。还进行了文献综述，以进一步探讨影响国际其他部门分数时间的因素。结果：乳腺和前列腺治疗分别需要2.1和2.93分钟，在主要部位进行的时间更长。在主现场的所有情况下，设置等中心和验证图像评估的时间都要长得多。关于效率的文献很少，但表明用于验证成像在线管理的方法会显著影响预约时间。结论：实施无纸化工作流程和图像评估流程改进，如引入红绿灯协议，可以减少一部分放射治疗的时间，并最大限度地提高服务效率。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Journal of Radiotherapy in Practice RADIOLOGY, NUCLEAR MEDICINE & MEDICAL IMAGING-

CiteScore

0.80

自引率

0.00%

发文量

期刊介绍： Journal of Radiotherapy in Practice is a peer-reviewed journal covering all of the current modalities specific to clinical oncology and radiotherapy. The journal aims to publish research from a wide range of styles and encourage debate and the exchange of information and opinion from within the field of radiotherapy practice and clinical oncology. The journal also aims to encourage technical evaluations and case studies as well as equipment reviews that will be of interest to an international radiotherapy audience.