Does regular quality control improve the quality of surgery in Slovenian breast cancer screening program?

Quality control of surgery in Slovenian breast cancer screening

Authors

  • Janez Žgajnar Institute of oncology Ljubljana
  • Andraž Perhavec Institute of Oncology Ljubljana
  • Sara Miličević
  • Barbara Perić Institute of Oncology Ljubljana

Abstract

Introduction

The aim of our study was to evaluate the quality of surgery of Slovenian breast cancer screening program (DORA) using the requested EU standards. Furthermore, we investigated whether regular quality control over the 3-year period improved the quality of surgical management.

Materials and methods

Patients who required surgical management within DORA between January 1st, 2016 and December 31st, 2018 were included in the retrospective study. Quality indicators (Qis) from European Breast cancer Society of Breast Cancer Specialists (EUSOMA) and European Breast Cancer Network (EBCN) were used in the analysis, five for therapeutic and two for diagnostic surgeries. Additionally, variability in achieving the requested Qis between low versus high volume surgeons was analysed.

Results

Between 2016-2018, 14 surgeons performed 1421 breast procedures in 1398 women. There were   1197 therapeutical (for proven breast cancer) and 224 diagnostic surgical interventions respectively. Overall, the minimal standard was met in two QIs for therapeutic and none for diagnostic procedures. A statistically significant improvement in three QIs for therapeutic and in one QI for diagnostic procedures was observed however, indicating that regular quality control improves the quality of surgery. A variability in achieving the requested Qis was observed in favour of high volume surgeons.

Conclusion

Adherence to all surgical QIs in patients from screening program is difficult to achieve, especially to those specifically defined for screen-detected lesions. Regular quality control can improve results over time. Reducing the number of surgeons dedicated to breast pathology may reduce variability of management inside the institution.

Downloads

Published

2020-11-13

How to Cite

Žgajnar, J., Perhavec, A., Miličević, S., & Perić, B. (2020). Does regular quality control improve the quality of surgery in Slovenian breast cancer screening program? Quality control of surgery in Slovenian breast cancer screening . Radiology and Oncology, 54(4), 488–494. Retrieved from https://radioloncol.com/index.php/ro/article/view/3441

Issue

Section

Clinical oncology