Clues to address barriers for access to proton therapy in the Netherlands

Background and purpose: The Netherlands has National Indication Protocols on proton therapy (PT) to select patients who benefit most from PT. However, referrals to proton therapy centres (PTCs) are lagging. The objective of this research is to identify the barriers for access to PT and to design interventions to address these barriers. Material and methods. We conducted a nationwide survey among radiation oncologists (ROs), and semi- structured in-depth interviews with ROs and patients. Subsequently, four workshops were held, in which ROs from one PTC and ROs from referring hospitals participa... Mehr ...