Value-based radiotherapy – A radiation therapist perspective
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7577/radopen.6712Keywords:
Radiotherapy, value-based healthcare, low-value care, RTTsAbstract
While radiation therapy is essential in cancer care, up to 30% of healthcare is considered low value. Healthcare professionals should work to increase the value of the services. This paper aims to discuss how radiation therapists (RTTs) can contribute to value-based radiotherapy. A selection of literature is used to underpin the discussion. RTTs potential contributions to value-based radiotherapy are discussed through three overarching mechanisms: 1- avoiding low-value care, 2- altering the benefit–risk balance of justified services, and 3- increasing accessibility and efficiency. Finally, RTTs cross-cutting contributions are discussed. Examples where RTTs can contribute to value-based radiotherapy are patient management, use of technology, incident reporting, and research and innovations. RTTs are in a unique position to increase the value of radiotherapy services. However, many barriers exist. There is a need for a value-based culture. Leaders of radiotherapy departments must acknowledge RTTs capacities to increase value of the services
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