Complexity of care processes in a radiation oncology service and its implications concerning the distribution of work and associated costs.

Introduction: Among several different instruments developed to compare the complexity of healthcare processes, relative value units (RVUs) are among the most well-known and widely used in hospitals, but despite being a recognized management tool, in our setting, the few studies published have been based on theoretical assumptions. Our objective was to assess the level of complexity of each process in our service and to determine the RVUs generated, in order to relate complexity and costs.

Methods: During 2014, data were retrospectively collected for 840 cancer patients from the Radiation Oncology Department, Araba University Hospital.

Prevalence of neuropathic pain in radiotherapy oncology units.

Purpose: Neuropathic pain (NP) in cancer patients severely impacts quality of life. Radiotherapy (RT) may cause NP, and at the same time, cancer patients visit RT units for pain relief. NP prevalence at these sites and current analgesic treatment should be assessed to improve management.