Radiotherapy for Oncological Emergencies on Weekends: Examining Reasons for Treatment and Patterns of Practice at a Canadian Cancer Centre

Abstract

Purpose

The main objective of this study was to document the incidence and indications for patients receiving emergency treatment on weekends and/or scheduled hospital holidays at a single institution. The secondary purpose was to investigate the compliance of quality assurance policies within this centre.

 Methods

From September 1, 2002 to September 30, 2004 patients being treated over weekends were retrospectively identified using the Oncology Patient Information System (OPIS) scheduling system. Relevant patient information including reasons for radiotherapy treatment, dose-fractionation of radiation and duration of treatment were collected and analyzed.

 Results

Over the 2-year period 161 patients were prescribed with urgent radiotherapy over the weekend and/or hospital holidays. The majority of patients presented with a primary tumour diagnosis of lung, prostate, and breast cancer. Reasons for referral for emergency weekend treatment included spinal cord compression, brain metastases, and superior vena cava symptoms or obstruction.  The prescribed treatments generally followed the quality assurance policies implemented both locally and provincially.

 Conclusion

Patients treated over the weekend and/or hospital holidays were generally found to be compliant with the quality assurance procedures implemented by this institution and by provincial policies.