Quality assurance in head and neck surgical oncology: results of a German nationwide survey

Background and objective. Quality control is of special importance in head and neck oncology since the quality of medical care constitutes a vital par ameter for the diseased patient. In contrast to other medical specialties, no quality assurance program for head and neck cancer patients has yet been established in Germany. Therefore,a survey was conducted to assess the qua lity assurance instruments that are in use today in otorhinolaryngology-hea d and neck (ORL-HNS) centers. Patients and methods. In a nationwide survey, questionnaires were sent out to 146 German ORL-HNS departments (the return rate was 75%). Results. 56% of all departments apply dedicated quality assurance processes , and 38% have appointed a formal quality assurance officer. Interdisciplin ary oncological conferences are held in the Vast majority of all department s with the participation of radiation oncologists in 86 (78%), medical onco logists in 84 (76%), diagnostic radiologists in 82 (74%), and pathologists in 73 (66%). Morbidity-mortality conferences are held in seven departments (6%). A standardized follow-up of oncological patients is carried out in 95 units (86%), and 53 departments use computer-assisted data bases to organi ze their follow-up data (48%). A wide variety of documentation systems is i n use throughout the country: 78 units (71%) offer formal follow-up to thei r oncological patients. Conclusions. This survey documents a widespread interest in quality assuran ce procedures. Many individual efforts are being undertaken. However, no un iform quality assurance or auditing system is currently in use in Germany n or is a commonly accepted data base available. The ability to offer oncolog ical follow-up within the national social security system is generally cons idered indispensable for the maintenance of high-quality oncological care i n ORL-HNS departments.