Purchasing a linear accelerator takes a great deal of planning, an experienced team to pull it all together, and a commitment to purchasing a quality piece of equipment. The planning process, as previously stated includes:
- Understanding the goals of your clinic
- Facility Planning
- Schedule
- Budget
In this installment we will look at the team of experts that you will need as you go about purchasing and implementing treatment using a large scaled piece of radiation therapy equipment such as a LINAC. Putting an experienced team of experts in place starts by involving individuals who share a similar vision for the facilities project. A unified group of professionals who will communicate with one another throughout the project. This team should include: vault designer/construction, provider of the LINAC, physics support, IT team, and the facilities clinical team for implementation. Choosing the best players for your team ensures success. It is your responsibility when making a purchase of this magnitude to perform due diligence every step of the way.
Vault Designer/Construction
Only a specialist can design and construct a vault that is capable of safely accommodating a linear accelerator. Not every construction company can create this safe space, it requires experience. Having a reliable company, with proven results in your corner will not only save you money but also critical time as you begin planning the installation of your linear accelerator.
Linear Accelerator Provider
Not all LINAC and radiation therapy equipment providers are the same. Don’t purchase equipment based solely on the basis of price as this is not the true cost of owning a linear accelerator. It is crucial, whether you are purchasing a new, refurbished, or used linear accelerator that you work with a company that provides the necessary specialized installation and support needed throughout the ownership of the equipment. Vendors such as Accelectronics, that can complete sales, delivery, installation, servicing, replacement parts, and removal provide reliability and accountability that many companies cannot compete with.
Physics Support
Successful treatment and patient outcomes only can occur when a continuous quality assurance program is in place. This group must have the tools and knowledge needed to make sure the installation and implementation of said equipment in your facility will be successful. This can include but is not limited to the assurance that you are offering the best possible treatment, to ongoing FAQ support.
IT Team
The hardware and software of all types of medical equipment is ever changing, the same is true of radiation therapy equipment such as linear accelerators and CT scanners. An IT team must be in place to ensure that equipment is kept up to date with the latest upgrades. They also must understand the overall impact to the facility a new piece of equipment such as a LINAC will have. Different systems must work together. It is up to your IT team to implement this network in order to have successful patient outcomes.
Implementation
Once the other pieces of the puzzle are in place including technology, the clinical implementation team will work together to ensure the best treatment plans are delivered to patients. This team includes: in-house therapists, physicists, and dosimetrists. This team is in place to guarantee an optimization treatment from beginning to end.
As an independent LINAC service company, Acceletronics is dedicated to delivering the best equipment performance and services for linear accelerators and CT scanners across all major brands and models, as well as new and refurbished LINAC systems for sale. More information can be found online at https://www.acceletronics.com/.