How to run an effective and efficient dermato-oncology unit: a Dutch approach

Abstract

The worldwide incidence of skin cancer (especially non-melanoma skin cancer) has risen dramatically over the last decades. Skin cancer, including pre-malignant lesions, is becoming a chronic disease. Adjustments in skin cancer health care need to be made. A disease management system for skin cancer is mandatory in order to avoid waiting lists and insure adequate treatment quality with ever growing numbers of patients requiring treatment. At the Catharina Hospital Eindhoven adjustments are being made on several levels of the dermato-oncology unit in collaboration with Eindhoven University of Technology. The model combines technological improvements, training health care workers, training of general practitioners and prevention of skin cancer. We discuss our ideas and clinical experiences with managing a dermatooncology unit.