Comprehensive cancer centre accreditation: experience and achievements of a head neck cancer unit

IF 1.2 Q3 OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY

Acta otorrinolaringologica espanola Pub Date : 2026-09-01 Epub Date: 2026-10-01 DOI:10.1016/j.otorri.2026.512371

Francesc Xavier Avilés-Jurado, Izaskun Valduvieco, Santiago Medrano-Martorell, África Muxí, Joan Lop, Francisco Javier Cuesta, Nuria Cuesta, Ada Ferrer-Fuertes, Eduardo Lehrer, Mauricio Lopez-Chacon, María Jesús Rojas-Lechuga, Marta Molins-Vigatà, Gerard Castells, Ana Dieguez, Déborah García, Carme Ares, Carla Climent, Manuel Mazariegos, Ada Cabero, Mónica Egea, Isabel Vilaseca

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Introduction

Improving the quality and equity of oncology care is a strategic priority in Europe. The Organisation of European Cancer Institutes (OECI) Accreditation and Designation Programme provides a unified framework integrating care, research, education, and governance. Its standards emphasise multidisciplinary coordination, digital infrastructures, and patient-centred outcomes. Head and neck cancer remains a major global challenge, with rising incidence and heterogeneous results, highlighting the need for standardised pathways and interoperable data systems. This study describes how a Head and Neck Cancer Unit was redesigned and digitalised to comply with OECI requirements, focusing on elements of the care domain.

Materials and methods

A structured organisational redesign was undertaken using workflow mapping, a RACI matrix, and Plan-Do-Act-Check cycles. Governance involved clinical leaders, specialised nurses, quality officers, and IT and engineering staff. Guidelines were updated, fast‑track pathways refined, and synoptic forms integrated into the electronic health record using terminologies compatible with OMOP. PROMs and PREMs were deployed through the institutional portal. A modified Delphi survey assessed team consensus.

Results

Between January and October 2025, 353 patients were evaluated, 198 through fast‑track referral. Diagnostic and treatment intervals met targets. PROM completion reached 61%. PREMs highlighted strengths in professionalism and multidisciplinary coordination and identified communication and administrative burden as areas for improvement. The Delphi survey showed strong agreement (α = 0.71), particularly for Multidisciplinary participation and nursing collaboration.

Discussion

The redesign, aligned with OECI standards, strengthened governance, digitalisation, and patient‑centred care. The model demonstrates how accreditation can drive sustainable, data‑driven improvement and support integrated cancer networks.

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综合癌症中心认证：头颈部癌症单位的经验和成就

提高肿瘤治疗的质量和公平性是欧洲的战略重点。欧洲癌症研究所组织（OECI）认证和指定计划提供了一个整合护理、研究、教育和管理的统一框架。其标准强调多学科协调、数字基础设施和以患者为中心的结果。头颈癌仍然是一项重大的全球挑战，发病率不断上升，结果也各不相同，这凸显了对标准化途径和可互操作数据系统的需求。本研究描述了如何重新设计和数字化头颈癌部门，以符合OECI的要求，重点关注护理领域的要素。材料和方法使用工作流映射、RACI矩阵和计划-执行-行动-检查周期进行结构化的组织重新设计。治理涉及临床领导、专业护士、质量官员以及IT和工程人员。更新了指南，改进了快速通道，并使用与OMOP兼容的术语将概要表格集成到电子健康记录中。prom和PREMs是通过机构门户部署的。一个改进的德尔菲调查评估团队共识。结果在2025年1月至10月期间，共评估了353例患者，其中198例通过快速转诊。诊断和治疗间隔达到目标。PROM完成率达61%。PREMs强调了专业精神和多学科协调方面的长处，并确定通讯和行政负担是有待改进的领域。德尔菲调查显示出强烈的一致性（α = 0.71），特别是在多学科参与和护理合作方面。重新设计符合OECI标准，加强了治理、数字化和以患者为中心的护理。该模型展示了认证如何推动可持续的、数据驱动的改进，并支持综合癌症网络。

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来源期刊

Acta otorrinolaringologica espanola OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY-

CiteScore

1.40

自引率

20.00%

发文量

审稿时长

44 days

期刊介绍： Es la revista más importante en español dedicada a la especialidad. Ofrece progresos científicos y técnicos tanto a nivel de originales como de casos clínicos. Además, es la Publicación Oficial de la Sociedad Española de Otorrinolaringología y Patología Cérvico-Facial y está presente en los más prestigiosos índices de referencia.