Resumen de Indicators to evaluate quality of care in head and neck cancer in Spain
Juan Jesús Cruz Hernández, Virginia Arrazubi Arrula, Yolanda Escobar Álvarez, Almudena García Castaño, Juan J. Grau de Castro, Lara Iglesias Docampo, Julio José Lambea Sorrosal, Pedro Pérez Segura, Antonio Rueda Domínguez, F.J. Campos Lucas, Irene Santamaría Rodríguez, Maria Bessa, Paula Gratal, F. Caballero Martínez, Diana Monge Martín, Cristina Antón Rodríguez, Rafael López López
Purpose This study aimed to develop a set of criteria and indicators to evaluate the quality of care of patients with head and neck cancer (HNC).
Methods A systematic literature review was conducted to identify valuable criteria/indicators for the assessment of the quality of care in HNC. With the aid of a technical group, a scientific committee of oncologists specialised in HNC used selected criteria to propose indicators that were evaluated with a two-round Delphi method. Indicators on which consensus was achieved were then prioritised by the scientific committee to develop a final set of indicators.
Results We proposed a list of 50 indicators used in the literature or developed by us to be evaluated with a Delphi method. There was consensus on the appropriateness of 47 indicators in the first round; the remaining 3 achieved consensus in the second round. The 50 indicators were scored to prioritise them, leading to a final selection of 29 indicators related to structure (3), process (22), or outcome (4) and covering diagnosis, treatment, follow-up, and health outcomes in patients with HNC. Easy-to-use index cards were developed for each indicator, with their criterion, definition, formula for use in real-world clinical practice, rationale, and acceptable level of attainment.
Conclusions We have developed a set of 29 evidence-based and expert-supported indicators for evaluating the quality of care in HNC, covering diagnosis, treatment, follow-up, and health outcomes.