Evaluation of Structure Indicators for Assessing Skin Cancer Quality of Care in Dermatology Departments.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: A series of quality indicators for melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer were recently approved within a project promoted by the Healthy Skin Foundation of the Spanish AEDV. The aim of this study was to evaluate adherence to these indicators.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: In November 2016, an anonymous questionnaire consisting of 32 items was sent to the heads of Spanish dermatology and venereology departments listed in the AEDV's database. The questions referred to the above-mentioned quality of care indicators.

RESULTS: The questionnaire was completed by 104 of the 150 people contacted (response rate, 69.3%). The lowest response rate for any given question was 56% (84 respondents). Over 85% of respondents answered 29 questions or more (91%). The most widely used indicators were those related to the use of computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging for squamous cell carcinoma (98%), followed by the availability of a standardized melanoma pathology report (90%). The least widely used indicators were related to availability of electrochemotherapy (25%) and other invasive therapies for locoregionally advanced melanoma (20%).

CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to quality of cancer care criteria at the different hospitals evaluated varied. Our findings could be useful for identifying areas for improvement at different hospitals. Future studies should focus on measuring both process and outcome indicators.