EFFICIENCY CONSIDERATIONS IN THE EXPANSION OF RADIATION-THERAPY SERVICES

Purpose: An economic option appraisal to determine whether early inves tment in capital is an efficient means of expanding radiation therapy services. Methods and Materials: Costs were based on 1991 data from a center in western Sydney, Two options were costed: Option 1 based on a n increase in overtime performed by existing staff, using capital more intensively and possible use of shifts; Option 2 based on an investme nt in new capital and associated increases in levels of staffing, The health sector costs of both options were determined in one center at w orkloads of between 70,940 and 98,525 fields per year to assess relati ve efficiency. Results: There was very little difference in cost betwe en both options, with Option 1 slightly cheaper at workloads up to 98, 525 fields per year. Conclusions: The results suggest that capital inv estment may be introduced at a fairly early stage without efficiency l oss, Sensitivity analysis reinforces these conclusions and the general izability of the results.