Mould Room in Radiotherapy: An Essential Component: 1 Minute to Understanding the Mold Room's Role in Radiotherapy

The mould room in radiotherapy is a specialised facility where personalized immobilisation devices and treatment aides are fabricated to ensure patient comfort and precise targeting during radiation therapy. These custom-made devices—such as thermoplastic masks, vacuum cushions, and bite-blocks—play a vital role in keeping the patient's body stable and in the correct position throughout the treatment process. By minimizing movement, the mould room supports the accurate delivery of radiation doses to the tumor while sparing healthy surrounding tissues, thus improving treatment outcomes and reducing side effects. Besides immobilisation, the mould room can also produce boluses and shields to tailor the radiation’s reach and block or attenuate beams, according to each patient’s anatomical and therapeutic needs.

As a designer, I’m constantly reminded of the importance of thoughtful planning for specialised spaces like the mould room. From its ergonomic workflow to temperature and ventilation requirements for material handling, every aspect of its layout must maximize efficiency, comfort, and safety—both for patients and staff. Leveraging modern digital planning tools such as a room planner can help hospitals and oncology centres optimize mould room setups for workflow, accessibility, and the harmonious integration of advanced moulding equipment with therapeutic needs.

Tips 1:

For healthcare administrators and architects, involve radiotherapists and mould room technicians early in your design process. Their insights on daily routines and patient handling can drive thoughtful spatial arrangements, storage solutions, and safety considerations tailored to real-world scenarios.

FAQ

Q: What is the primary function of a mould room in radiotherapy?

A: The mould room creates personalized immobilisation devices to ensure patient stability and treatment accuracy during radiation therapy.

Q: Which materials are commonly used in mould rooms?

A: Thermoplastic sheets, foams, and vacuum cushions are typical, chosen for their mouldability and patient comfort.

Q: Why is immobilisation so crucial in radiotherapy treatment?

A: Immobilisation reduces patient movement, allowing for more precise radiation targeting and minimizing damage to healthy tissue.

Q: Can mould rooms also fabricate devices for protection during radiotherapy?

A: Yes, mould rooms create shields and boluses to control beam intensity and protect sensitive tissues.

Q: How can the design of a mould room affect treatment outcomes?

A: An efficient, well-planned mould room improves workflow, allows for better patient care, and enhances overall treatment precision.