Universal Journal of Management Vol. 1(3), pp. 126 - 131
DOI: 10.13189/ujm.2013.010302
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Reduction of Brachytherapy Treatment Cancellation Rates by Systematic Team Approach

Tony Eng, M.D ^1,2,*, Vanessa Magel, R.N ^2
1 Department of Radiation Oncology,University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
² The Cancer Therapy and Research CenterSan Antonio, TX 78229

ABSTRACT

Brachytherapy is one of the key components for cervical cancer therapy. Cancellation of brachytherapy leads to prolongation of therapy time which has been shown to decrease cancer control. Therefore, any cancellation of brachytherapy will affect patient survival or cure. In this study, we looked into brachytherapy cancellation rates and identified the top three causes. We then incorporated proper systematic interventions to include reminder calls and patient education. The monthly pre-intervention brachytherapy cancellation rates were 17-42%. The post-intervention rates gradually decreased from 44% to 0% within 3 months of implementing changes. The impact sustained throughout the project duration. The treatment delay rate (treatment duration >63 days) was 57% pre-intervention compared with 44% post-intervention. Cancellation and patient treatment delay rates were substantially improved by our simple systematic interventions. This project still requires continued efforts and longer follow up to show sustained clinical impacts.

KEYWORDS
Brachytherapy, Cancellation Rates, Systematic Team Approach

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Tony Eng, M.D , Vanessa Magel, R.N , "Reduction of Brachytherapy Treatment Cancellation Rates by Systematic Team Approach," Universal Journal of Management, Vol. 1, No. 3, pp. 126 - 131, 2013. DOI: 10.13189/ujm.2013.010302.

(b). APA Format:
Tony Eng, M.D , Vanessa Magel, R.N (2013). Reduction of Brachytherapy Treatment Cancellation Rates by Systematic Team Approach. Universal Journal of Management, 1(3), 126 - 131. DOI: 10.13189/ujm.2013.010302.