Overview of radiotherapy resources in Beijing in 2010

Abstract

Objective To investigate and analyze the resources of radiotherapy in Beijing,in order to provide reference for the subject development,resources allocation and professional training of radiotherapy.Methods A questionnaire survey was conducted by on-site inspection,supplemented by telephone or e-mail investigation among the 33 hospitals with radiotherapy facilities to know the current status of distribution of radiotherapy institutions,radiotherapy facilities,human resources and number of patients treated.Results There were 52 linear accelerators,1 spiral CT machine,and 2 intraoperative radiotherapy machines in these 33 hospitals up to June 2010.Three-dimensional conformal or stereotaetic radiotherapy was carried out in 31 hospitals,intensity modulated radiation therapy(IMRT)in 19,image guided radiation therapy(IGRT)in 6,and volumetric modulated arc therapy(VMRT)in 2.The number of professional personnel(except nurses)was 495,including 214 radiation oncologists,78 radiotherapy physicists,and 203 radiotherapy technologists,and those with senior professional titles accounted for 52.3%,17.9%,and 1.5%,respectively.Conclusions Compared to the national level,the radiotherapy resources level is higher in Beijing,but the distribution of resources is imbalanced.The resource allocation should be optimized and training of the personnel should be strengthened so as to meet the growing needs of patients. Key words: Beijing; Radiation therapy; Facilities