Statistics

Statistics 2003-2004
Dietetic activity during 2003-2004 are indicated in graphs 1 and 2.

The trend in activity has followed the previous years, where inpatient activity was highest for haematology (unit 21) and outpatient activity is highest for radiotherapy (unit 63). Of the total patient consults, 40% of dietetic consults are seen in haematology unit. Radiotherapy, medical oncology, breast and endocrine and the palliative care unit make up the remaining workload (ie. 30%, 17% 7% and 4% consecutively).
Statistics 1996-2004

The total number of individual patient consultations and total time units used by the dietitians in patient care in the Cancer Centre during 1996-2004 is indicated in Graph 3 and Graph 4. Group activity is indicated in Table 1. These statistics are not included in the statistics of Graphs 3 and 4.

While there has been some small variation from year to year in the total number of patient consults and in the total time used in patient care, the activity of the dietitian workload overall has remained stable (Graph 5). This may be accounted by the fact that the 1.5 dietitians allocated to the Cancer Centre have reached their maximum working capacity.

The total number of patients presenting to the Cancer Centre during 1996 to 2004 for treatment continues to increase steadily, while the number of dietetic consultations in this time has remained stable (Graph 5). Despite new initiatives undertaken by the dietitians since the creation of the Specialist position in 1997 to accommodate for the increased patient numbers, the statistics indicate clearly that many patients are either not receiving individual dietetic care, or adequate care.

Table 1: STATISTICS OF GROUP EDUCATIONS CONDUCTED IN RADIOTHERAPY OUTPATIENTS

YEAR	Number of Groups	Number of Patients	Total Time Units (1unit=15min)
2001/2002	41	254	158
2002/2003	37	219	148
2003/2004	49	276	194