Rectal cancer: from outcomes of care to process of care.
Publication/Presentation Date
6-1-2006
Abstract
This paper represents a current opinion on the impact surgeons may have on the variability of the quality of care of rectal cancer surgery. No systematic review of the evidence available in the literature is provided. The objective is to present a concise insight on selected outcomes of care studies, to review the limitations of such studies and to discuss the value of process of care studies. Outcomes of care studies measure what happens to patients, and process of care studies measure what is done to patients. Three variables are reviewed: training, volume and individual skill. It is concluded that the quality of the selected outcomes of care studies is not sufficient to draw definitive conclusions on whether surgeons are a variable. Further efforts should prompt process of care studies on rectal cancer surgery. This implies that outcomes should be measured, processes of care modified and outcomes measured again. This cycle should be continuously repeated in order to achieve the best quality of care.
Volume
41
Issue
6
First Page
636
Last Page
639
ISSN
0036-5521
Published In/Presented At
Ignjatovic, D., & Bergamaschi, R. (2006). Rectal cancer: from outcomes of care to process of care. Scandinavian Journal Of Gastroenterology, 41(6), 636–639.
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences
PubMedID
16716961
Department(s)
Department of Surgery, Department of Surgery Faculty, Research
Document Type
Article