Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention

Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention (아시아태평양암예방학회)
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30 Years of Radiotherapy Service in Southern Thailand: Workload vs Resources

  • Phungrassami, Temsak (Division of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, Songklanagarind Hospital) ;
  • Funsian, Amporn (Division of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, Songklanagarind Hospital) ;
  • Sriplung, Hutcha (Epidemiology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University)
  • Published : 2013.12.31
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Abstract

Background: To study the pattern of patient load, personnel and equipment resources from 30-years experience in Southern Thailand. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study collected secondary data from the Division of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology and the Songklanagarind Hospital Tumor Registry database, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, during the period of 1982-2012. Results: The number of new patients who had radiation treatment gradually increased from 121 in 1982 to 2,178 in 2011. Shortages of all kinds of personnel were demonstrated as compared to the recommendations, especially in radiotherapy technicians. In 2011, Southern Thailand, with two radiotherapy centers, had 0.44 megavoltage radiotherapy machines (cobalt or linear accelerator) per million of population. This number is suboptimal, but could be managed cost-effectively by prolonging machine operating times during personnel shortages. Conclusions: This study identified a discrepancy between workload and resources in one medical school radiotherapy center in Southern Thailand. This information is crucial for future strategic planning both regionally and nationally.

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