Triage for palliative radiotherapy by clinical specialist radiation therapists: A scoping review

Patients who could benefit from palliative radiotherapy (PRT) may be in different phases of the cancer journey: they have minimal symptoms and preserved functional status, or near end life, with multiple complex care needs. Efficient triage at PRT referral is crucial to match patients an appropriate provider setting as quickly possible. Many centres a dedicated clinic, for which occurs by Palliative Clinical Specialist Radiation Therapist (PCSRT). We performed English-language literature search 15 databases, without date limits, based on PICO framework. After independent screening titles abstracts two authors, relevant full text papers were reviewed. Twenty studies (15 publications five abstracts) one government report met inclusion criteria. Studies published over 21-year period investigators four countries. By identifying bottlenecks, out inappropriate referrals, assessing advance consult, PSCRT decreased wait times approximately 50%, average, compared standard pathways (range 30–82%). Increasing efficiency pre-booking coordinating appointments increases patient volumes optimizes use resources. A PCSRT serving navigator role improves continuity care, decreasing number handoffs, safety well. Shifting allows multidisciplinary team members work their maximum scope. In after incorporation triage, on-call services decreased, more seen during daytime appointments, contributing cost-savings.