A COST COMPARISON OF THE USE OFF FIXED VERSUS NON-FIXED VERSUS INDIVIDUALIZED SHIELDING BLOCKS IN RADIOTHERAPY

The investment and operating costs for the manufacturing and applicati on of routine shielding techniques in patients receiving radiotherapy are described. It was found that the operating cost of a fixed block i s lower than that of the other types of blocks. Non-fixed and individu alised blocks have similar operating costs. Whereas the manufacturing costs are much lower for non-fixed blocks than for individualised bloc ks, their application costs (for daily placement) are much higher, imp lying that the cost per piece of both types of blocks is more or less identical. Departments that have all the equipment for the manufacturi ng of individual blocks available are recommended to use standard-fixe d blocks in patients where there is no clear preference for a specific type of block. Individual blocks, because of their higher cost, shoul d be used only when they are judged to be superior for the patient. In vestment decisions for equipment can be based on a similar strategy. O nly if one intends to use blocks in very few patients (less than 60/ye ar), are non-fixed blocks the cheapest alternative. If more blocks are used, it is sufficient to invest in standard-fixed blocks equipment, unless-individual blocks are recommended for medical reasons.