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Radiation Oncology
Published in: Radiation Oncology 1/2012

Open Access 01-12-2012 | Research

A national survey of the availability of intensity-modulated radiation therapy and stereotactic radiosurgery in Canada

Authors: Eman Z AlDuhaiby, Stephen Breen, Jean-Pierre Bissonnette, Michael Sharpe, Linda Mayhew, Scott Tyldesley, Derek R Wilke, David C Hodgson

Published in: Radiation Oncology | Issue 1/2012

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Abstract

Background

The timely and appropriate adoption of new radiation therapy (RT) technologies is a challenge both in terms of providing of optimal patient care and managing health care resources. Relatively little is known regarding the rate at which new RT technologies are adopted in different jurisdictions, and the barriers to implementation of these technologies.

Methods

Surveys were sent to all radiation oncology department heads in Canada regarding the availability of RT equipment from 2006 to 2010. Data were collected concerning the availability and use of Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), and the obstacles to implementation of these technologies.

Results

IMRT was available in 37% of responding centers in 2006, increasing to 87% in 2010. In 2010, 72% of centers reported that IMRT was available for all patients who might benefit, and 37% indicated that they used IMRT for "virtually all" head and neck patients. SRS availability increased from 26% in 2006 to 42.5% in 2010. Eighty-two percent of centers reported that patients had access to SRS either directly or by referral. The main barriers for IMRT implementation included the need to train or hire treatment planning staff, whereas barriers to SRS implementation mostly included the need to purchase and/or upgrade existing planning software and equipment.

Conclusions

The survey showed a growing adoption of IMRT and SRS in Canada, although the latter was available in less than half of responding centers. Barriers to implementation differed for IMRT compared to SRS. Enhancing human resources is an important consideration in the implementation of new RT technologies, due to the multidisciplinary nature of the planning and treatment process.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
A national survey of the availability of intensity-modulated radiation therapy and stereotactic radiosurgery in Canada
Authors
Eman Z AlDuhaiby
Stephen Breen
Jean-Pierre Bissonnette
Michael Sharpe
Linda Mayhew
Scott Tyldesley
Derek R Wilke
David C Hodgson
Publication date
01-12-2012
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Radiation Oncology / Issue 1/2012
Electronic ISSN: 1748-717X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1748-717X-7-18

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