[Survey of potential improvements during the course of the radiotherapy treatment--a patient questionnaire].
BACKGROUND
In the context of quality assurance, increasing demands are placed on the whole radiotherapy treatment process. The patients directly concerned generally do not realize most aspects of the quality assurance program (e.g., additional safety checks) during their daily therapy. It was the aim of this study to systematically ask patients about potential improvements during the course of radiotherapy treatment from their own perspective.


METHODS
In the defined time span (1 month), 624 radiotherapy patients (600 questionnaires were returned, 96.2%) were interviewed using a questionnaire newly developed to inquire about several aspects of their treatment. Furthermore, they were asked for their specific needs and suggestions for improvements that could be made during the course of radiotherapy treatment.


RESULTS
Overall, the patients were satisfied with the course of their radiotherapy treatment and with patient care. As an example, about 90% agreed with the statement: "My first contact with the radiation oncology unit proceeded with kindness and competence so that I was given the impression that I will be well cared for in this clinic." Considering the organization of the course of radiotherapy, a large majority of patients attached great value to set appointments for the therapy fractions. A main point of criticism was waiting times or delays caused by servicing or machine failures. Small, low cost improvements as music in the therapy room were considered as important as expensive measures (e.g., daylight in the therapy room). The patients emphasized the importance of staff friendliness.


CONCLUSIONS
The situation of radiotherapy patients was, in general, satisfactory. Future improvements can be mainly expected from smooth organisation of both planning and treatment which can be achieved by electronic scheduling systems. Many results of the survey could be easily implemented in daily practice. In matters of organization radiation oncology with its complex procedures can be used as a model for other clinical departments.
Klinik für Strahlenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Freiburg i. Br., Germany. felix.momm@uniklinik-freiburg.de
Felix
F
Momm
David
D
Jooss
Carola J
CJ
Xander
Sonja
S
Adebahr
Viola
V
Duncker-Rohr
Felix
F
Heinemann
Simon
S
Kirste
Marc-Benjamin
MB
Messmer
Anca-Ligia
AL
Grosu
Gerhild
G
Becker
D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology / Q000532:radiotherapy; D010347:Patient Care Planning / Q000458:organization & administration; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D061214:Patient Safety; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D058996:Quality Improvement / Q000458:organization & administration; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires