The use of discrete-event simulation modelling to improve radiation therapy planning processes.

Background And Purpose: The planning portion of the radiation therapy treatment process at the British Columbia Cancer Agency is efficient but nevertheless contains room for improvement. The purpose of this study is to show how a discrete-event simulation (DES) model can be used to represent this complex process and to suggest improvements that may reduce the planning time and ultimately reduce overall waiting times.

Materials And Methods: A simulation model of the radiation therapy (RT) planning process was constructed using the Arena simulation software, representing the complexities of the system.