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- Title
Impact of an integrated care program for patients with head and neck cancer on the quality of care.
- Authors
Ouwens, Mariëlle M. M. T. J.; Hermens, Rosella R. P. M. G.; Hulscher, Marlies M. E. J. L.; Merkx, Matthias A. W.; Van den Hoogen, Frank J. A.; Grol, Richard P.; Wollersheim, Hub C. H.; Marres, Henri A. M.
- Abstract
Background. The management of patients with head and neck cancer is complex, and implementation of an integrated care program might improve the quality of care. Methods. A prospective before–after study was performed in 1 clinic for head and neck oncology on 311 adults with head and neck cancer to evaluate an integrated care program. Results. Scores on the integrated care indicators showed that the implementation of the integrated care program led to relevant improvements, eg, waiting time for diagnostic procedures less than 10 days (improvement of 37%), support for stopping smoking (+37%), nutrition support (+44%), assessment of CT and MRI scans by a an expert radiologist (+23%), and number of patients in contact with the specialist nurses (+37%). The program had no relevant effects on the outcome indicators. Conclusion. An integrated care program can improve several aspects of the management of patients with head and neck cancer. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2009
- Subjects
DISEASE management; HEAD &; neck cancer patients; MEDICAL care; HEALTH services administration; HEALTH outcome assessment
- Publication
Head & Neck, 2009, Vol 31, Issue 7, p902
- ISSN
1043-3074
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1002/hed.21041