Prioritization of radiotherapy in Australia and New Zealand

The purpose of this study was to document how radiation oncology departments in Australia and New Zealand manage extended waiting lists by prioritizing patients for radiotherapy and how these centres define the "waiting time". A literature search on strategies for management of waiting lists in radiotherapy, both locally and internationally, was performed. A collaborative survey of all the radiotherapy departments in Australia and New Zealand was then undertaken. Of the 32 centres surveyed around Australia and New Zealand, 25 (77%) responded. There was considerable variation in the definitions used for "waiting times". Eleven of the 25 centres had formally documented protocols. New Zealand has a national policy for prioritization of patients for radiotherapy. Six centres had verbal protocols. Four centres had no significant waiting times and did not require a protocol for prioritization. One centre prioritized according to clinician discretion, two centres used a first-come, first-served basis. One centre replied but their protocol was missing. The variation in the definition of waiting time reduces its usefulness as an indirect measure of resources and as a method of comparing centres. There is also wide variation in the management of waiting lists, particularly in the prioritization schedules used by different centres. The major factor contributing to waiting lists at present is a shortage of radiation oncology staff, particularly radiation therapists. The implementation of standardized protocols for prioritizing patients may be useful in helping to manage scarce resources not withstanding the need to increase the resource base. However, the existence of such protocols should not give legitimacy to undue delays in commencing radiation treatment.