Modelling Access and Capacity in the BC Cancer System

In this talk we provide an overview of the different projects involving operations research methodologies to improve access to quality cancer care at the British Columbia Cancer Agency (BCCA). These include appointment scheduling, staff planning, outpatient clinic operations, catchment population analysis and clinical decision making.

We present in more detail the development of a simulation model for the radiotherapy department. This model provides a framework for understanding the interrelationships between access, configuration and resource availability in the cancer system in British Columbia. We test different scenarios, quantifying the effect of changes in different stages of the care continuum and determining the impact on patient wait times (access) and resource utilization. We illustrate preliminary examples of its application within the Radiation Therapy program at BCCA’s Vancouver Centre.