title: Radiation oncology: quality assurance and cost-effectiveness in Australia.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to develop a data set consisting of measures of treatment outcome and cost, capable of standardization across radiation oncology facilities in Australia. Using a detailed consultative process involving representatives of a wide variety of professional organizations including the Royal Australasian College of Radiologists, the study identified the items necessary for inclusion in a data collection instrument to allow assessment of treatment modalities, quality of care, comparative efficiency and cost-effectiveness of radiation oncology services. The instrument has been tested by a pilot study and the results indicate that the items included in the instrument have received acceptance amongst health care providers.
authors.affiliation: Diagnosis Pty Ltd., Balmain, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Best
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Cantwell
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Wilson
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia; D003037:Cobalt Radioisotopes / Q000191:economics; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003625:Data Collection; D017721:Hospital Costs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D016522:Oncology Service, Hospital / Q000191:economics*; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care / Q000191:economics; D010315:Particle Accelerators / Q000191:economics; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000191:economics*; D011867:Radioisotope Teletherapy / Q000191:economics; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000191:economics*
chemical_list: D003037:Cobalt Radioisotopes