Improving structural development in oncology: transformation of theoretical health care standards and knowledge into a practical approach—2nd European Roundtable Meeting (ERTM), May 8, 2015, Berlin, Germany

Abstract

Purpose: It is widely accepted that National Cancer Control Plans (NCCPs) are essential to improve cancer care. They often describe the structural requirements such as cancer centers, clinical cancer registries and quality control. During the 2nd European roundtable meeting, the implementation processes were analyzed and discussed. Results: Communication strategies between cancer registries and cancer centers need to be developed. Analyses and discussion of collected data have to be performed by multidisciplinary teams. This has to be followed by appropriate actions to improve quality of care. It is essential to describe the clinical procedures, organizational processes and communication between individuals and professional teams. The patients’ perspectives have to be included in the development of cancer care networks. The patients’ feedback on cancer care is a routine quality indicator. Conclusion: NCCPs that include the description of structural requirements are important. In addition, it is essential to develop cancer care networks including multidisciplinary organizational processes to guarantee high quality. These have to consider patients preferences.