Development of a comprehensive set of colorectal cancer care quality metrics.

Abstract

670 Background: Institute of Medicine report calls for improved quality of cancer care. Numerous entities have sought measures of health care quality, but there is limited consensus regarding metrics for quality of colorectal cancer (CRC) care. Current measures are very limited; there exist no comprehensive metrics for quality of CRC care across the continuum of care. We sought to identify robust quality metrics, including measures related to pathology, coordination of cancer care, surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and surveillance, in order to identify gaps in quality of CRC care. Methods: National guidelines (NCCN and ASCO), National Quality Forum, and select peer reviewed publications were reviewed to develop evidence based metrics to assess quality of CRC care from diagnosis to post treatment surveillance and survivorship. A core group of health care providers, including a surgical oncologist, a pathologist and a Cancer nurse practitioner developed the metrics based on literature review. Measures were reviewed by key physician stakeholders including Radiation Oncology, Medical Oncology, General surgery, and Gastroenterology to obtain support for the quality initiative at our institution. Results: Twenty-three quality metrics were developed including 6 metrics related to access and process, 6 related to pathology, 7 related to multidisciplinary care and 4 measures related to surveillance and survivorship. Novel metrics included documentation of a three generational cancer family history, documentation of preoperative CT imaging of chest/abdomen/pelvis, MSI and KRAS testing in specific populations, appropriate pre-operative radiation oncologist evaluation for rectal cancer, multidisciplinary team planning prior to treatment initiation for rectal cancer and patients with newly identified liver metastases, appropriate referral for genetic counseling and surveillance annual CT scans for 3 years post treatment. Conclusions: These novel and comprehensive metrics allow for detailed review of the quality of CRC care received by patients at our institution. Individual patient data are currently being abstracted to assess the utility and logistics of implementing these quality metrics at a community cancer center.