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An economic framework for evaluating a multileaf collimator
1Northeastern Ontario Regional Cancer Centre, University of Ottawa.
Summary
A multileaf collimator (MLC) costs approximately $85,000 annually but can reduce radiotherapy costs through efficiency gains. This economic framework helps justify MLC acquisition by balancing costs against benefits like improved patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Health economics
- Radiation oncology technology
Background:
- Healthcare budgets require rigorous evaluation of new technology acquisitions.
- Multileaf collimators (MLCs) represent new technology in radiation therapy with potential benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate an economic framework for evaluating the costs and benefits of a multileaf collimator (MLC).
- To assess the financial implications of MLC adoption in cancer care.
Main Methods:
- Utilized financial data from the Northeastern Ontario Regional Cancer Centre (NEORCC).
- Employed a recognized staffing model and a commercial spreadsheet.
- Determined the net incremental annual cost of a multileaf collimator (MLC).
Main Results:
- The estimated incremental annual cost of an MLC is approximately $85,000 (1997 CDN $).
- This increases the average radiotherapy cost by approximately $200 per course without increasing patient throughput.
- Potential savings identified through reduced mold room activity, increased treatment machine capacity, and decreased sick time.
Conclusions:
- An economic framework is presented for objectively evaluating multileaf collimator (MLC) technology.
- The framework aids in quantifying expenditures justified by outcomes, such as improved patient results and treatment flexibility.
- This method can support the justification for acquiring multileaf technology.
