Contouring - How Do We Manage This Pivotal but Time-Consuming Workload?

Abstract

Advanced radiation treatment planning is a complex, multi-step process beginning with image acquisition and using these images to contour radiation targets and organs at risk prior to radiation treatment planning. Contouring is a time-consuming process. Unfortunately, few radiation oncologists have dedicated contouring time allocated in their daily schedule. Also, across radiation practices there is variability amongst dosimetrists, physicists, and physicians in the assignment of contouring responsibilities. The goal of this survey was to explore how the multi-disciplinary task of contouring for treatment planning is managed across radiation oncology practices and its impact on quality of life (QOL) amongst dosimetrists, physicists, and physicians. A comprehensive 19-question Qualtrics survey was created evaluating all aspects of contouring and radiation treatment planning and its impact on QOL. The survey was distributed through Twitter, AAMD, a Medical Physics Journal, as well as directly to radiation oncology practices. Survey responses were summarized as proportions and associations tested using Fisher's exact test. Physicians spent more time completing job responsibilities after work than dosimetrists and physicists, with an average of 6.22 hours (range 0-20) in comparison to 4.16 (0-30) for dosimetrists and 1.55 (0-12) for physicists (p-value 0.001). Physicians on average spent more time contouring on weekends with 1.81 hours (0-10) in comparison to 0.54 (0-10+) for dosimetrists and 0.31 (0-10) for physicists (p-value <0.001). When considering QOL and time spent after work, more respondents agreed there was a negative impact on QOL with increased responsibilities outside work hours (p-value <0.001). On average, respondents performed anywhere from 0 to 85 weekly radiotherapy simulations. The average time delay between simulation and when the imaging datasets are ready for contours was 1.31 days (1-4). 84 respondents signified there is no repercussion for delayed contour plans as planning is fast-tracked to meet the deadline, while 52 respondents signified postponement of radiotherapy start date. Time spent contouring after work hours (p-value 0.148) and on the weekend (p-value 0.403) were similar for both academic and private centers. Similarly, there was no difference in time of days of completion of 3D Conformal Radiation Therapy (p-value 0.551), Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (p-value 0.222), or Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (p-value 0.551) from academic versus private centers. We present new insight into the amount of time spent in radiation oncology practices by dosimetrists, physicists, and physicians, performing the critical task of contouring for radiation treatment planning and its impact on QOL. These results can be used to guide decisions in the clinic for allocation of radiation treatment planning time and manpower.