title: Audit reduces the reluctance to use single fractions for painful bone metastases.
abstract: We have conducted three audits of the number of fractions used within our department to treat symptomatic bone metastases. The initial audit identified 133 patients treated for bone metastases in a 3-month period using 538 fractions (mean number of fraction = 4.1, range 1-14). These figures were presented at our audit meeting along with a literature review which provided no evidence of any advantage of multiple fractions over single fractions. Departmental guidelines recommending the use of single fractions were established. A subsequent audit identified 149 patients treated with 520 fractions (mean number of fractions = 3.5, range 1-11). A third audit identified 148 patients treated with 335 fractions (mean number of fractions = 2.3, range 1-10). Audit has resulted in a reduction in the number of fractions used to treat bone metastases in our department. The major effect was seen after the second audit.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Oncology, Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, UK.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Booth
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Summers
authors.forename: M V
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Williams
mesh_terms: D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000556:secondary*; D006801:Humans; D008485:Medical Audit; D010148:Intractable Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods*; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage