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Updated: Aug 18, 2026
Quantitation of Intra-peritoneal Ovarian Cancer Metastasis
Published on: July 18, 2016
Development of ovarian cancer surgery quality indicators using a modified Delphi approach
Anna R Gagliardi1, Michael Fung Kee Fung, Bernard Langer
1Surgical Oncology Program, Cancer Care Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Objective:
Little performance measurement has been undertaken in the area of oncology, particularly for surgery which is a pivotal event in the continuum of cancer care. This work was conducted to develop indicators of quality ovarian cancer surgery using a modified three-step Delphi approach.
Methods:
A multidisciplinary panel, comprised of surgical and methodologic co-chairs, nine surgeons, one medical oncologist, one radiation oncologist, a nurse, and a pathologist, reviewed potential indicators extracted from the medical literature through two consecutive rounds of rating followed by consensus discussion. The panel then prioritized the indicators selected in the previous two rounds.
Results:
Of 33 possible indicators that emerged from 41 selected articles, 14 were prioritized by the panel as benchmarks for assessing the quality of surgical care. The 14 indicators represent three levels of measurement (provincial/regional, hospital, individual provider) across several phases of care (diagnosis, surgery, pathology, and adjuvant therapy), as well as broad measures of access and outcomes. Some of the indicators selected by the panel were also recommended as standards of care by national initiatives in other countries.
Conclusions:
A systematic evidence- and consensus-based approach was used to develop quality indicators of ovarian cancer care, with a focus on pre-, peri-, and postoperative care as well as outcomes, that are applicable in any jurisdiction.
Insights
This study developed 14 quality indicators for ovarian cancer surgery. These benchmarks assess care quality across diagnosis, surgery, and adjuvant therapy, improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Surgical Quality Measurement
- Healthcare Performance Indicators
Background:
- Performance measurement in oncology, especially surgical care, is limited.
- Ovarian cancer surgery is a critical component of comprehensive cancer care.
- Developing standardized quality indicators is essential for improving surgical outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop evidence-based quality indicators for ovarian cancer surgery.
- To establish benchmarks for assessing the quality of surgical care in ovarian cancer patients.
- To utilize a modified Delphi approach for expert consensus on quality indicators.
Main Methods:
- A multidisciplinary panel (surgeons, oncologists, pathologist, nurse) was convened.
- Potential indicators were extracted from medical literature and reviewed.
- A modified three-step Delphi process involving rating, discussion, and prioritization was employed.
Main Results:
- Fourteen quality indicators were prioritized from 33 potential indicators.
- These indicators cover multiple care phases (diagnosis, surgery, pathology, adjuvant therapy) and levels (provincial, hospital, individual).
- Selected indicators align with national standards in other countries, focusing on access and outcomes.
Conclusions:
- A systematic, consensus-driven approach successfully developed quality indicators for ovarian cancer surgery.
- The indicators encompass pre-, peri-, and postoperative care, as well as patient outcomes.
- These quality indicators are designed for broad applicability across different healthcare jurisdictions.
