Background
Radiotherapy is a major modality in the treatment of cancer and also represents a significant sector within the NHS, in terms of both workforce and capital investment.
The Radiotherapy Data Set (RTDS) allows for the routine collection of clinically and managerially relevant ACTIVITY data from Radiotherapy facilities, in order to commission or monitor Radiotherapy Services in an evidence-based manner.
All facilities providing Radiotherapy Services are required to return data to the National Cancer Services Analysis Team (NatCanSAT) for all ACTIVITY undertaken on Teletherapy and Brachytherapy MACHINES, or with radioisotopes not contained within a Teletherapy or Brachytherapy MACHINE.
The Radiotherapy Data Set accompanies the Out-Patient Commissioning Data Set for PATIENTS attending for Radiotherapy.
Where in-patients attend for Radiotherapy, a Radiotherapy Attendance record should be submitted to the National Cancer Services Analysis Team along with the Out-Patient Commissioning Data Set for the Out-Patient Attendance. The Radiotherapy Attendance record consists of the same fields and formats as the Out-Patient Commissioning Data Set. For further guidance, see the National Clinical Analysis and Specialised Applications Team website.
Data Submission
The Radiotherapy Data Set should be submitted to National Cancer Services Analysis Team by the 20th of each month. The extracts should include all Radiotherapy Attendance records for the previous calendar month.
All data should be submitted in a National Cancer Services Analysis Team approved format. Data should be submitted using the N3 upload facility on http://www.natcansat.nhs.uk/rt/rtportal.aspx as an encrypted access file.
Further information can be found at:
- National Clinical Analysis and Specialised Applications Team website for information on the Radiotherapy Data Set
- Contact Us for contact details.