In:
Journal of Clinical Oncology, American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), Vol. 31, No. 31_suppl ( 2013-11-01), p. 279-279
Abstract:
279 Background: To ensure appropriate access to radiation treatment (RT) for Ontario cancer patients for the next decade and that future capital investments in radiation equipment are appropriately timed and strategically placed, Cancer Care Ontario (CCO) has updated its RT Capital Investment Strategy. The strategy was designed around 4 core principles: i) recognizing treatment machine capacity should match the demand resulting from increasing cancer incidence rates and increasing utilization rates as per CCO goals; ii) keeping pace with advancing technology; iii) ensuring value for money by maximising the use of current infrastructure; and iv) minimizing costs through centralized planning and procurement processes. Methods: A multidisciplinary provincial expert panel reviewed and revised the planning parameters used to project treatment demand and required capacity (including fractions of RT per treated case, number of cases treated per hour, uptime of treatment units). The panel reviewed current practice, impact of new and emerging treatment technologies and benchmarks from other jurisdictions. To project the future demand for radiation therapy, growth in cancer incidence (by county) as well as modest improvement in RT utilization rates were assumed. Results: Recommendations included: i) moving to 12-hour treatment days in all large centres and on 50% of equipment in centres operating fewer than 6 treatment units; ii) ensuring appropriate funding for the replacement of existing RT equipment; iii) equipping constructed rooms in 4 regional cancer centers – thereby adding 6 linacs; iv) equipping swing bunkers across the province – thereby adding 10 linacs; and v) planning for the construction of new facilities to add RT capacity in 3 regions of the province. Conclusions: Funding to implement recommendations from previous capital investment strategies has resulted in an equitable distribution of RT resources across the province. We believe the planning strategies and recommendations outlined in the strategy will improve access to quality RT care as close to home as feasible for Ontario patients.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0732-183X
,
1527-7755
DOI:
10.1200/jco.2013.31.31_suppl.279
Language:
English
Publisher:
American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
Publication Date:
2013
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2005181-5
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