Radiotherapy information system in cancer treatment improvement: a case study at the Brazilian National Cancer Institute

Abstract

Radiotherapy is one of the main means of treating cancer patients. Its application has grown worldwide. Around 50% of all cancer patients should receive radiation. Brazil faces a shortage of radiotherapy treatment because of a lack of enough treatment units, equipment availability, well-trained staff, and fair reimbursement. The Radiotherapy Information System (RIS) implementation to manage information about patient scheduling is vital to improve the efficiency of care and reduce the waiting time to start cancer treatment. The information system deployed can be indicated as a disruptive innovation in the Brazilian public health system, considering the radical improvement in the cancer treatment process at the Brazilian National Cancer Institute.