Care Pathways for Colorectal Cancer Surgery

This descriptive study uses an interrupted time series approach combining a retrospective with a prospective multicenter design to evaluate the current state of the care process for adult colorectal cancer patients who are admitted for surgery. This study will give attention to evidence based key interventions, follow-up and interprofessional teamwork necessary to provide appropriate care. In 4 countries (Belgium, Germany, France and The Netherlands) 3 hospitals will participate (total number of hospitals is 12). They will perform a clinical audit of the actual organization of the care process, and a team audit on the level of interprofessional teamwork. Each team will develop and implement a quality improvement initiative based on the concept of care pathways, the findings from the audit and the available evidence, and will measure the effect of their improvement strategy.

Inclusion criteria

• All consecutive scheduled admissions starting September 2, 2013;
• Minimum age of 18 years;
• Elective admission for colorectal cancer surgery

Exclusion criteria

• Emergency (not planned) admission for colorectal cancer surgery;
• Patients with severe dementia (DSM IV) or severe concomitant disease that may affect very short-term outcome (life expectancy less than 3 months) and hence influence deviations from standard acute care.