The study reviewed a database of patients referred to the program between August 1st, 2008 and June 30th, 2012 to gather patient demographics and wait times from point of referral to consultation and consultation to treatment. The results found that 53% of the 2742 patients referred to RRRP were men and 47% were women. The most common types of cancer were lung, breast and prostate. The median wait time was 3 days from referral to consultation. From there, 60% of patients received treatment on the same day as their consultation and 33% received treatment within 1 to 6 days. The article concludes that the RRRP has demonstrated to deliver timely palliative radiation therapy and the RRRP will continue to be regarded as a model for other and future rapid-access palliative therapy clinics.
To read the full article click here.
Leave a Reply