[Requirements for organ-specific oncology centers].

BACKGROUND

The interdisciplinary, interprofessional, and transsectoral cooperation of partners in a network is prerequisite for the certification of a prostate cancer center. The network reflects all phases and aspects of the disease from the patient's point of view. On the basis of quality indicators that are audited annually, the qualified partners of the network ensure quality of care. Quality indicators reflect the quality of the cooperation in the network, the treatment according to the evidence-based guideline, and the specific expertise of the partners.

METHODS

The results of the quality indicators are evaluated annually and summarized in individual and general reports. The system of the quality indicators is an important tool for quality management and to improve daily oncological care. In the future, this system will be extended to include patient-reported outcomes in combination with the OncoBox.

CONCLUSIONS

The ongoing quantitative and qualitative improvement makes the certification system a relevant instrument for health policy institutions and is useful in political discussions regarding quality assurance and improvement.