Quality Variation in Switzerland: Analysis of Mammary Resections for Breast Cancer using the Quality Indicator of Breast Preservation

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate whether there are regional differences in the treatment results of elective mammary resections for breast cancer in Switzerland and, if so, whether a possible cause could be found in the hospital planning by the cantons. Using the Inpatient Quality Indicators (CH-IQI), the quality of outcomes was analysed at the level of the Swiss cantons and compared with the cantonal requirements for carrying out this treatment. Cantonal differences became apparent both in the quality of results based on the quality indicator of breast preservation and in the level of detail of the requirements for structural and process quality. The quality of treatment in Switzerland can hardly be compared in a transparent manner; interpreting the available quality information is demanding and hardly possible for patients. In order to reduce the quality differences shown, hospital planning should be intercantonal, as is the case in highly specialised medicine.