European Society of Gynaecological Oncology quality indicators for surgical treatment of cervical cancer
Abstract
Background: Optimizing and ensuring the quality of surgical care is essential to improve the management and outcome of patients with cervical cancer. To develop a list of quality indicators for surgical treatment of cervical cancer that can be used to audit and improve clinical practice.
Methods: Quality indicators were developed using a four-step evaluation process that included a systematic literature search to identify potential quality indicators, in-person meetings of an ad hoc group of international experts, an internal validation process, and external review by a large panel of European clinicians and patient representatives. Results: Fifteen structural, process, and outcome indicators were selected.
Using a structured format, each quality indicator has a description specifying what the indicator is measuring. Measurability specifications are also detailed to define how the indicator will be measured in practice.
Each indicator has a target which gives practitioners and health administrators a quantitative basis for improving care and organizational processes. Discussion: Implementation of institutional quality assurance programs can improve quality of care, even in high-volume centers.
This set of quality indicators from the European Society of Gynaecological Cancer may be a major instrument to improve the quality of surgical treatment of cervical cancer.