Oncology Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Oncology, including details on cancer, surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy.

Standards for thoracic surgical oncology in a single-payer healthcare system.

Sundaresan S, Langer B, Oliver T, Schwartz F, Brouwers M, Stern H,

The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. olivert@mcmaster.ca

Through systematic literature review and a consensus-based approach from an expert panel, standards on the organization for delivering thoracic cancer surgery in a single-payer healthcare environment were developed. Thirty-two studies and six organizational reports were identified. Results from 32 studies showed a trend toward higher volumes and improved patient outcomes, and six consensus reports provided recommendations on thoracic care standards. Thoracic surgical oncology standards in a single-payer healthcare system were developed. The benefits associated with the implementation of thoracic cancer surgery standards should result in increased regionalization of care, improved processes of care, and better patient outcomes.

Published 23 July 2007 in Ann Thorac Surg, 84(2): 693-701.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2005-2008 Oncology Research Today. All Rights Reserved.