Current status of remote radiotherapy treatment planning in Japan: findings from a national survey

Abstract

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the status of remote-radiotherapy treatment planning (RRTP) in Japan through a nationwide questionnaire survey. The survey was conducted between 29 June and 4 August 2022, at 834 facilities in Japan that were equipped with linear accelerators. The survey utilized a Google form that comprised 96 questions on facility information, information about the respondent, utilization of RRTP between facilities, usage for telework and the inclination to implement RRTPs in the respondent’s facility. The survey analyzed the utilization of the RRTP system in four distinct implementation types: (i) utilization as a supportive facility, (ii) utilization as a treatment facility, (iii) utilization as a teleworker outside of the facility and (iv) utilization as a teleworker within the facility. The survey response rate was 58.4% (487 facilities responded). Among the facilities that responded, 10% (51 facilities) were implementing RRTP. 13 served as supportive facilities, 23 as treatment facilities, 17 as teleworkers outside of the facility and 5 as teleworkers within the facility. In terms of system usage between supportive and treatment facilities, 70–80% of the participants utilized the system for emergencies or as overtime work for external workers. A substantial number of facilities (38.8%) reported that they were unfamiliar with RRTP implementation. The survey showed that RRTP utilization in Japan is still limited, with a significant number of facilities unfamiliar with the technology. The study highlights the need for greater understanding and education about RRTP and financial funds of economical compensation.