[Radiotherapy in northern Germany: data on radio-oncology from 6 Bundesländer]

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiotherapy
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Limited availability of comprehensive data on German radio-oncology centers.
• Previous data collection efforts by the German Röntgen Society were insufficient for detailed, up-to-date information.
• Need for accurate regional data to understand and improve radiation oncology services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create a regional database for radio-oncologic departments in six northern German states.
• To collect detailed and current facts and figures on radio-oncology services.
• To provide a model for data collection in other regions for national analysis.

Main Methods:

• Established a regional North German database through collaboration between radio-oncology departments and societies.
• Distributed detailed questionnaires to gather data on personnel, equipment, workload, diagnoses, and training.
• Collected and analyzed data from participating centers, providing confidential individual feedback.

Main Results:

• 36 out of 38 centers (94.7% response rate) participated in the 1995/96 survey.
• Data revealed 73 megavolt machines, 31 afterloading facilities, 240 physicians, 110 physicists, and 350 radiographers.
• In 1995, 32,000 patients were treated, with an average of 18 treatment visits and 50 radiation fields per patient.

Conclusions:

• The regional database successfully provided detailed and current information on radio-oncology equipment, personnel, and workload.
• The data collection method proved effective and can serve as a model for other regions.
• This approach facilitates the identification of deficiencies and improvements in radiation oncology care nationwide.