Quality indicators in cancer care: development and implementation for improved health outcomes in non-small-cell lung cancer

Abstract

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) care is multidisciplinary and complex in nature. However, there are few quality indicators that are widely accepted by the physicians who treat lung cancer. Quality indicators developed by the American Society of Clinical Oncology and National Comprehensive Cancer Network exist for breast and colon cancer, but not yet for lung cancer. In this article we review the current state of quality indicators in oncology care in general and for NSCLC in particular. Proposed quality metrics focus on diagnosis and staging, timeliness of care, supportive care and patient satisfaction.