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Implementing quality metrics in European Cancer Centers (ECCs)
Ellen Griesshammer1, Henning Adam2, Nora Tabea Sibert2
1German Cancer Society, Kuno-Fischer-Strasse 8, 14057, Berlin, Germany. griesshammer@krebsgesellschaft.de.
World Journal of Urology
|April 8, 2020
Summary
Certification by the German Cancer Society (DKG) is achievable for prostate cancer centers outside Germany (PCCoG). While challenging initially, meeting DKG criteria leads to improved indicators and patient numbers, though healthcare system differences require consideration.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Healthcare Quality Improvement
- International Healthcare Standards
Background:
- German Cancer Society (DKG) certification extended to prostate cancer centers outside Germany (PCCoG) in 2014.
- Certified PCCoG must meet the same stringent requirements as domestic German centers.
- This study evaluates the initial experiences and performance indicators of the first nine certified PCCoG.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on the experiences of the first nine certified prostate cancer centers outside Germany (PCCoG).
- To analyze and compare indicator results between certified PCCoG and German prostate cancer centers (PCC).
- To assess the impact of DKG certification on quality indicators and patient numbers in PCCoG.
Main Methods:
- Descriptive analysis of primary case distribution, indicator definitions, and patient numbers.
- Comparative analysis of indicator results between 114 German PCC and 9 PCCoG certified for at least 3 years.
- Statistical trend analysis using two-sided Cochran-Armitage tests to evaluate changes over time.
Main Results:
- Both German PCC and certified PCCoG demonstrated a steady increase in primary cases and indicator fulfillment from 2015-2017.
- PCCoG initially faced challenges with psycho-oncological services (POS) and social service counseling (SCC) requirements.
- While POS fulfillment improved post-certification, SCC rates remained low in PCCoG due to differing healthcare system structures.
Conclusions:
- DKG certification is attainable for PCCoG, requiring significant effort but leading to improved quality indicators and patient volumes.
- Differences in healthcare systems necessitate adaptation of certification requirements for country-specific implementation.
- Certified PCCoG show potential for quality enhancement, highlighting the value of international standardization efforts.
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