In the last decade, there have been rapid changes and progressive developments in the technology used for the planning and delivery of radiotherapy, especially with the utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) and telemedicine in cancer diagnosis/treatments/outcomes.
With the ever-increasing complexity of the radiotherapy patient pathway and limited healthcare resources, we, as healthcare professionals within radiation oncology, are required to respond to these ongoing advances efficiently through various resource optimization initiatives with a patient-centered focus.
The radiotherapy workflows and models of care should be continuously evolved with an increased emphasis on high-quality communications/interactions between patients and clinicians/radiation therapists, in order to support the consistent engagement of patients and their families at each stage of their cancer care journey.
Against this background, this presentation will include the following:
- Complexity of radiation therapy pathways and the importance of patient-centered care
- Current challenges on radiation therapy resources and workforce supply
- Examples of innovative model of care such as case expert model and radiation therapist advanced practice with the focus of consistency/personal care
- A glimpse into the future – how should we move forward as a multi-professional group for patient-centered service optimization?