Impact of an integrated care program for patients with head and neck cancer on the quality of care.
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Ouwens, M.M.T.J. Marielle
Hermens, R.P.M.G. Rosella
Hulscher, M.E.J.L. Marlies
Merkx, M.A.W. Thijs
Hoogen, F.J.A. Frank
Grol, R.P.T.M. Richard
Wollersheim, H.C.H. Hub
Marres, H.A.M. Henri
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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.