ÖGRO survey on radiotherapy capacity in Austria : Status quo and estimation of future demands.

Abstract

A comprehensive evaluation of the current national and regional radiotherapy capacity in Austria with an estimation of demands for 2020 and 2030 was performed by the Austrian Society for Radiation Oncology, Radiobiology and Medical Radiophysics (ÖGRO). All Austrian centers provided data on the number of megavoltage (MV) units, treatment series, fractions, percentage of retreatments and complex treatment techniques as well as the daily operating hours for the year 2014. In addition, waiting times until the beginning of radiotherapy were prospectively recorded over the first quarter of 2015. National and international epidemiological prediction data were used to estimate future demands. For apopulation of 8.51million, 43MV units were at disposal. In 14radiooncological centers, atotal of 19,940 series with amean number of 464 patients per MV unit/year and amean fraction number of 20 (range 16-24) per case were recorded. The average re-irradiation ratio was 14%. The survey on waiting times until start of treatment showed provision shortages in 40% of centers with amean waiting time of 13.6days (range 0.5-29.3days) and amean maximum waiting time of 98.2days. Of all centers, 21% had no or only alimited ability to deliver complex treatment techniques. Predictions for 2020 and 2030 indicate an increased need in the overall number of MV units to atotal of 63 and 71, respectively. This ÖGRO survey revealed major regional differences in radiooncological capacity. Considering epidemiological developments, an aggravation of the situation can be expected shortly. This analysis serves as abasis for improved public regional health care planning.