Background: Based on registries, the European experience has been that <50% of patients are treated according to protocols and/or benefit from the minimum required surgery for ovarian cancer. The French Cancer Plan 2009-2013 considers the definition of qualitative indicators in ovarian cancer surgery in France. This endeavour was undertaken by the French Society of Gynaecologic Oncology (SFOG) in partnership with the French National College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and all concerned learned societies in a multidisciplinary mindset.
Methods: The quality indicators for the initial management of patients with ovarian cancer were based on the standards of practice determined from scientific evidence or expert consensus.
Results: The indicators were divided into structural indicators, including material (equipment), human (number and qualification of staff), and organizational resources, process indicators, and outcome indicators.
Conclusions: The enforcement of a quality assurance programme in any country would undoubtedly promote improvement in the quality of care for ovarian cancer patients and would result in a dramatic positive impact on their survival. Such a policy is not only beneficial to the patient, but is also profitable for the healthcare system.
Keywords: gynaecologic oncology; ovarian cancer; quality assurance; surgical oncology.