PHARMACO-ECONOMICS

Quality management of breast cancer patients

BJMO - volume 9, issue 3, july 2015

D. Verhoeven MD, PhD, P. Goetstouwers MD, C. Langenaeken MD, Wim Demey MD, M. Strijbos MD, PhD

Quality indicators are used to monitor the quality of care of cancer patients. They are divided into structural, process, outcome, and service indicators. Information about quality indicators must be given to all partners involved, leading to optimisation of treatment strategies and reduction of treatment variability. The aim is to achieve quality cancer care within everyone’s reach, with a focus on patient needs. Although disparities are present for various reasons, an in depth analysis is highly informative.

(BELG J MED ONCOL 2015;9(3):107–12)

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Are patients better treated in clinical trials?

BJMO - volume 8, issue 3, july 2014

D. Verhoeven MD, PhD, C. Langenaeken MD, Wim Demey MD, S. Meers MD, PhD

The accepted opinion in the oncological community is that patients are better off when treated within the context of a clinical trial. However, based upon a critical analysis of the available literature, there is little unbiased evidence of outcome improvement. Important ethical considerations must be taken into account. Also a lot of problems arise with the regulation of the trials and the administrative burden. Patients must be enrolled in a clinical trial on the basis of improving treatment options for future patients.

(BELG J MED ONCOL 2014;8(3):94–7)

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