An audit of travel and waiting times for outpatient radiotherapy.

The object of this study was to assess the non-medical factors which detract from the quality of outpatient receiving service to a population of 2.7 million in a wide geographical area. We conducted a survey by patient questionnaire of all outpatients receiving radiotherapy in the West of Scotland on a single day in 1990. A total of 216 outpatients attended for radiotherapy with a 92% response rate to the questionnaire being achieved. Median values (and ranges) were: age 58 (4-85) years, number of daily treatments 20 (4-33), distance travelled in one direction 10 (1-60) miles, travelling time 45 (5-130) minutes, waiting time in the unit for treatment 60 (0-200) minutes, and a time away from home of 2 hours 50 minutes (35 minutes-7 hours). Sixteen per cent of patients had a relative who lost time from work by transporting the patient and only 12 of 60 patients who were away from home over a meal time were offered a hospital meal. Sixteen per cent of patients came by ambulance and 73% by motor car. Of 146 travelling by car 27% used a charity service and 20% a volunteer driver ambulance service car. It is concluded that long travelling distances, travelling times and treatment waiting times for many patients require revision of transport provision, a strict appointment system, more treatment machines and hostel accommodation.