Supportive care centers: definition of excellence

Abstract

Purpose of reviewThe current review is relevant because despite significant progress in oncology, a large proportion of patients with cancer still experience morbidity and symptoms, resulting from the cancer and/or its treatment. Recent findingsThe main theme concerns the definition of excellence of Supportive Care centers based on the indications of the Multinational Association Supportive Care Cancer (MASCC) because there are no data in literature on this topic.

How to become a Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer-designated center of excellence in supportive care in cancer

“…The minimum score that allows the definition of MASCC-Designated Centers of Excellence in Supportive Care in Cancer is 60 [ 5 ▪ ].…”

“…Positive and direct effect because of the SCC is a reduction by 3,2% of the number of unplanned hospitalizations of on-treatment cancer patients and the consequent net reduction by 2,2% of the costs used for unplanned hospitalizations. Furthermore, a reduction of about 5% in the ER accesses [ 5 ▪ ] was described. Another important clinical and economic effect, is the marked decrease in the costs associated with red blood cell transfusions (net reduction of one-third of the total expense) [ 6 ], deeply according to the results of a previous study by Ripamonti et al [ 10 ].…”