Achieving Thoracic Oncology data collection in Europe: a precursor study in 35 Countries

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Public Health
• Health Services Research

Background:

• International comparisons of lung cancer data are limited.
• The extent and nature of lung cancer data collection across Europe are largely unknown.
• Accurate data is crucial for benchmarking and improving lung cancer services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess current lung cancer data collection practices in European countries.
• To identify variations in data collection mechanisms across the continent.
• To inform the development of standardized data collection for clinical research.

Main Methods:

• A survey was distributed to lung cancer specialists in 37 European countries in December 2014.
• Results reflect practices in early 2015 and were compiled and verified by co-authors.
• An established network of specialists facilitated data collection.

Main Results:

• Thirty-five completed surveys were received, detailing diverse data collection practices.
• 30 countries reported national-level data collection; Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland did not.
• Data collection ranged from paper records to sophisticated electronic databases with survival analysis.

Conclusions:

• Validated comparative data reveal significant differences in European lung cancer data collection.
• There is a clear need for a well-designed dataset for clinical research.
• Future efforts should focus on feasible, high-quality data collection across all countries.