Quality assurance for care of melanoma patients based on guideline-derived quality indicators and certification.
OBJECTIVE
In 2013 the first German S-3 guidelines on the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of melanoma were published in the framework of the German Guideline Program on Oncology. Quality indicators were developed at the same time as the guideline development process in order to implement the guideline recommendations.


METHODS
A multidisciplinary, interprofessional working group developed quality indicators following a standardized process.


RESULTS
Twelve quality indicators directly linked to guideline recommendations were generated and agreed on by consensus. They were integrated into the catalogue of requirements for dermato-oncological centers certified by the German Cancer Society.


CONCLUSIONS
The close cooperation between the guideline group and commission for certification allowed the guideline contents to be implemented in the form of quality indicators in everyday clinical practice. Adherence to the guidelines is required and continuously evaluated as part of certification.
German Cancer Society e.V, Germany.
Markus
M
Follmann
Dirk
D
Schadendorf
Corinna
C
Kochs
Barbara
B
Buchberger
Anna
A
Winter
Simone
S
Wesselmann
D002568:Certification / Q000592:standards*; D003880:Dermatology / Q000592:standards*; D005858:Germany; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006801:Humans; D008545:Melanoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000592:standards*; D019984:Quality Indicators, Health Care / Q000592:standards*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*