The Capital Investment Strategy for Radiotherapy in Ontario: A Framework to Ensure Access to Radiotherapy

Abstract Background As a system capacity planner, XXX (XXX) develops radiotherapy-specific capital investment strategies, updated every five years, to ensure equitable access, and gain the highest value from these investments in infrastructure. These plans are informed by the changing landscape of health care delivery, technological advancements affecting radiotherapy care, patient desire for care closer to home, and expected increases in utilization of radiotherapy services. In this paper, we describe the development, model, and final recommendations of XXX’s fifth radiotherapy capital investment strategy. Methods A panel of multidisciplinary provincial experts, in combination with two patient and family advisors, developed planning principles to guide the development of a patient-centred strategy. Adaption of the previously used model for radiotherapy planning was utilized. Model The development of the capital investment strategy took place from Fall 2017 to Fall 2018. The model included three main factors: patient demand (including utilization targets), machine throughput, and machine demand and supply. The final recommendation is for an investment of 26 new radiotherapy machines in the province by 2028. Interpretation The strategy aims to ensure there is continued province-wide access to quality radiotherapy care. Continuous data collection throughout this time period is necessary to ensure the strategy achieves its goals, and to allow for planning of future strategies.