We have tested the above approach in the following groups of new cancer patients: breast cancer, Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and showed its applicability in determining QoL response.
Thus, measurement of survival and QoL response make it possible to provide a comprehensive evaluation of quality of cancer care. The first element of high-quality cancer care according to Vardy and Tannock, use of evidence-based medicine, is to be measured in terms of survival. The second one, delivery of treatment in the right way, correlates with both survival and QoL response. Finally, the last one, but perhaps the most important, treatment of the patient, not just the disease, is measured by QoL response.
In conclusion, treatment of a patient with cancer resting on the elements proposed by Drs Vardy and Tannock, from one side, and evaluation of quality of care in terms of survival and QoL response, from another, is a real way to high-quality cancer care.
New Jersey Center for Quality of Life and Health Outcome Research, 5 Toboggan Ridge Road, Saddle River, NJ 07458, USA
Email: njc4qol{at}aol.com)
References
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