title: An audit of travel and waiting times for outpatient radiotherapy.
abstract: The object of this study was to assess the non-medical factors which detract from the quality of outpatient receiving service to a population of 2.7 million in a wide geographical area. We conducted a survey by patient questionnaire of all outpatients receiving radiotherapy in the West of Scotland on a single day in 1990. A total of 216 outpatients attended for radiotherapy with a 92% response rate to the questionnaire being achieved. Median values (and ranges) were: age 58 (4-85) years, number of daily treatments 20 (4-33), distance travelled in one direction 10 (1-60) miles, travelling time 45 (5-130) minutes, waiting time in the unit for treatment 60 (0-200) minutes, and a time away from home of 2 hours 50 minutes (35 minutes-7 hours). Sixteen per cent of patients had a relative who lost time from work by transporting the patient and only 12 of 60 patients who were away from home over a meal time were offered a hospital meal. Sixteen per cent of patients came by ambulance and 73% by motor car. Of 146 travelling by car 27% used a charity service and 20% a volunteer driver ambulance service car. It is concluded that long travelling distances, travelling times and treatment waiting times for many patients require revision of transport provision, a strict appointment system, more treatment machines and hostel accommodation.
authors.affiliation: Beatson Oncology Centre, Glasgow.
authors.forename: E J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Junor
authors.forename: F R
authors.initials: FR
authors.lastname: Macbeth
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Barrett
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D001071:Appointments and Schedules; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D005160:Facility Design and Construction; D005221:Fatigue; D005502:Food; D006801:Humans; D008485:Medical Audit; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012606:Scotland / Q000453:epidemiology; D013997:Time Factors; D014187:Transportation of Patients / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*