Optimizing computed tomography simulation wait times in a busy radiation medicine program.

Purpose: An audit was conducted of patient schedules for computed tomography simulation (CT-Sim) scans within the Radiation Medicine Program at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre to investigate opportunities for improved efficiencies, enhancing process, reducing rescanning rates, and decreasing wait times.

Methods And Materials: A 3-phased approach was undertaken to evaluate the current practice in the CT-Sim facility with a view toward implementing improvements. The first phase involved a review and assessment of the validity of current guidelines and protocols associated with 16 different disease sites.

Assessing Patient Satisfaction in a Radiation Therapy Department Using a Survey Tool.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to use a survey tool to measure the level of patient satisfaction with current health care delivery in the radiation therapy department, and provide insight into how the department can improve quality of care.

Methods: An anonymous patient satisfaction survey was distributed to radiation therapy patients near the end of their course of treatment. The survey was distributed over a 1-month timeframe to outpatients more than 18 years of age receiving a radical course of treatment.