Lecturer

Kitty Chan

Brachytherapy, gynecology

MRT(T)

Location
Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
Address
610 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario Canada M5G 2M9
Research Interests
Brachytherapy and gynecology

Qualification

  • Master of Health Science, Medical Radiation Sciences, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto
  • Bachelor of Science, Medical Radiation Sciences, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto
  • Diploma, Radiation Therapy, Michener Institute
  • Honours Bachelor of Science, Toxicology, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto

Professional Memberships

  • Medical Radiation Technologist, Radiation Therapy, College of Medical Radiation Technologists of Ontario

Research Synopsis

The focus of my research is the integration of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging to brachytherapy. From research to clinical implementation, I have conducted studies using Lean tools to improve efficiency and workflow in the delivery of MR-guided brachytherapy for gynecological and prostate cancers. I spearheaded a research study in the Cancer Care Ontario Gynecological Community of Practice Models of Care Working Group; the study demonstrated that the current referral pattern of cervical cancer patients are concentrated on the South-western side of Ontario, and there is no standardization in referral process, timing and information sharing. Based on the findings of this study, a standardized patient information exchange (i.e. plan, images) and timing of this information exchange has now been implemented. In the future, I will conduct ongoing evaluations using Lean methods for our clinical practices in order to establish continuous improvement in workflow and optimize quality of care. Collaborating with radiation oncologists and health economists, I will provide support to the budget impact analysis to investigate the cost-effectiveness of integrating MRI to brachytherapy and ultimately leading to improving access of care for cervical cancer patients requiring this treatment throughout Ontario.

Recent Publications

Felder S, Morley L, Ng E, Chan K, Ballantyne H, Di Tomasso A, Bissonnette JP, Breen S, Rink A, Waldron J, Borg J, Milosevic M. Brachytherapy patient safety events in an academic radiation medicine program. Brachytherapy. 2017 Jul 27. pii: S1538-4721(17)30396-3.

Skliarenko J, Carlone M, Tanderup K, Han K, Beiki-Ardakani A, Borg J, Chan K, Croke J, Rink A, Simeonov A, Ujaimi R, Xie J, Fyles A, Milosevic M. Technique adaptation, strategic replanning and team learning during implementation of MR-guided brachytherapy for cervical cancer. Brachytherapy. 2017. In press.

Chan K, Rosewall T, Kenefick B, Milosevic M. MR-guided brachytherapy for cervical cancer: Quantifying process waste and identifying opportunities for system performance improvement. Pract Radiat Oncol. 2016 Jul 1;6(4):233-40.

Chan K, Davey C. To investigate the usefulness of a patient education booklet: “Starting Radiation Therapy – Helpful Tips for Patients with Head & Neck Cancer”. J Radiother Pract. 2014. 13(3):284-293.

Higgins J, Davey C, Li W, Chan K, Wenz J, Rosewall T. 10 Years of exposure to a radiation therapist research culture: Where are we now? J Med Imaging Radiat Sci. 2011. 42(3):106-112.

Li W, Harnett N, Moseley DJ, Higgins J, Chan K, Jaffray DA. Investigating user perspective on training and clinical implementation of volumetric imaging. J Med Imaging Radiat Sci. 2010. 41(2):57-65

Chan K, Li W, Medlam G, Higgins J, Bolderston A, Yi Ql, Wenz J. Investigating patient wait times for daily outpatient radiotherapy appointments - a single centre study. J Med Imaging Radiat Sci. 2010. 41(3):145-151

Appointments

  • Clinical Specialist Radiation Therapist, Brachytherapy, Radiation Medicine Program, Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
  • Clinical Educator, The Michener Institute for Applied Health Science, University Health Network