# Waiting time interpretations: Complexity and consequences for radiotherapy delays

## TL;DR

This paper explores how different definitions of waiting times in radiotherapy affect treatment delays and suggests ways to improve scheduling.

## Contribution

It introduces prioritized start dates tailored to specific diagnoses to optimize scheduling.

## Key findings

- Different waiting time definitions significantly impact treatment delays.
- Tailored prioritized start dates can reduce delays for specific diagnoses.
- The insights help refine scheduling strategies in radiotherapy departments.

## Abstract

••Uses clinical scenarios to show effects by different RT waiting time definitions.••Highlights the benefits of prioritized start dates − tailored to diagnosis-specific needs.••Offers thorough insights to help refine department-specific scheduling strategies.

•Uses clinical scenarios to show effects by different RT waiting time definitions.

•Highlights the benefits of prioritized start dates − tailored to diagnosis-specific needs.

•Offers thorough insights to help refine department-specific scheduling strategies.