The Danish Gynecological Cancer Nursing Database: Creating Evidence for Quality Improvements in Preoperative and Postoperative Cancer Care

Abstract

Quality of preoperative and postoperative care is crucial to improve postoperative outcome of cancer surgery and to ensure that neither complications nor a poor general condition delays any subsequent radiochemotherapy or recovery. On this background, the Danish Gynecological Cancer Database (DGCD) established a nursing database in 2011. The aim of DGCD Nursing is to monitor the quality of preoperative and postoperative care and to generate data for research. In accordance with the current data protection legislation, real-time data are entered by clinical nurses at all national cancer centers. The DGCD Nursing includes data of preoperative and postoperative care, and nurses are independently represented in the steering committee. The aim of the present article is to present the first results from DGCD Nursing and the national care improvements that have followed. With national coverage of an average of 94%, 5726 patients have been registered since 2011. In patients undergoing surgery for ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancer, 436 different variables monitor central preoperative and postoperative care elements within mobilization, nutritional status, pain score, vital functions, and psychosocial support. At national level, DGCD offers a comprehensive overview of the total patient pathway within gynecological cancer surgery. The DGCD Nursing has added to the quality and implementation of evidence-based preoperative and postoperative care and in addition supported formation of professional networks. With a continued validation of data, DGCD Nursing now constitutes a sound and unique basis for research within the field of preoperative and postoperative cancer care.