Interdisciplinary tumour boards in Switzerland: quo vadis?
OBJECTIVE
The objective of the present investigation is twofold: first, to assess how interdisciplinary tumour boards in Switzerland are designed, established, and rated in clinical practice; and second, to evaluate perceptions regarding the determination of cancer centres as required by the Swiss National Cancer Programme.


METHODS
An anonymous questionnaire was sent to the heads of surgical departments in Switzerland (n = 110). Among the clinics contacted were 11 large referral centres (type A clinics), 48 surgical departments of cantonal hospitals (type B clinics), and 51 regional surgical departments (type C clinics).


RESULTS
For most type A and B clinics, tumour boards are held on a weekly basis (A: 100%, B: 88%, C: 26%). On average, 66% of respondents (A: 90%, B: 71 %, C: 52 %) consider tumour boards a standard of care for every cancer patient. Determination of cancer centres was favoured by 49% of all respondents (A: 80%, B: 56%, C: 32 %).


CONCLUSIONS
The present survey in Switzerland clearly shows significant differences between type A, B, and C clinics in the use of tumour boards and in their perception as a standard of care. There are wide discrepancies in the perceived need to determine cancer centres in Switzerland as required by the Swiss National Cancer Programme. Since the implementation of tumour boards is associated with optimised cancer patient care, continuing education on their importance is a vital necessity.
Lehmann
Kuno
K
Department of Surgery, Kantonsspital Olten, Olten, Switzerland.
Guller
Ulrich
U
Bugnon
Sophie
S
Zuber
Markus
M
D002173:Cancer Care Facilities / Q000458:organization & administration; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000592:standards; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013557:Switzerland