Center for Gynecological Oncology
Interdisciplinary care according to the highest standards of quality
November 2016
The German Cancer Society (DKG) has certified the highest quality standards at the Center for Gynecological Oncology at Heidelberg University Women's Hospital with the title "Gynecological Cancer Center." It is recognized for its spectrum of treatment, the experience of the medical team, the technical facilities and the interdisciplinary integration with experts of other disciplines.
At Heidelberg University Women's Hospital, women with genital cancer are treated according to the highest quality standards. The German Cancer Society (DKG) has certified this, bestowing the clinic with the title of "Gynecological Cancer Center". In addition to spectrum of care, case number, medical team experience, and technical facilities, important criteria for this certification were integration of interdisciplinary care with experts of other disciplines as well as treatments outside of isolated oncological treatment, for example psycho-oncologic counseling. "For highest quality treatment, cooperative teamwork with the referring gynecologists is vital. It is important to us that the most suitable therapy for each patient is seamlessly incorporated into the total treatment concept," says Professor Dr. Christof Sohn, Medical Director of the University Women's Hospital.
The Seal of approval: "Gynecological Cancer Center" as a Guide to Choosing a Clinic
Annually in Germany, around 4,500 women suffer from cervical cancer, 11,700 from uterine tumors, and 9,600 from ovarian cancer. Taken together, almost 10,000 women die each year from reproductive organ cancers.
The requirements for hospitals to pass the certification process are high regarding organization and procedures. Therapy and long-term results must be documented consistently over several years to ensure continuously high standards of care and assess long-term outcomes. In addition, a well established quality management system is required, so that any needs for improvement can be quickly identified and corrected. "These measures ensure the currently best possible care for cancer patients," explained Professor Dr. Markus Wallwiener, Coordinator of the Center for Gynecological Oncology. "The certification of the DKG can thus serve patients and referring physicians as a guide to choosing an appropriate hospital."
For Successful Therapy, Interdisciplinary Teamwork is Essential
The independent consultants emphasized particularly the firm establishment of interdisciplinary cooperation and treatment into daily practice as a benefit, particularly considering the National Center for Tumor Diseases. In this way, patients receive the most modern methods of care--minimally-invasive surgery at the University Women's Hospital when possible, and further systemic therapy, e.g. chemotherapy, is given at NCT. Once per week, the doctors and therapists of various disciplines discuss any new or re-introduced patients during "tumor conferences," to determine together the most appropriate therapy for the individual. When needed, the referring partner also takes part in these conferences. "Thus, we are able to guarantee our patients treatment according to the most recent findings, considering social and psychological aspects and thus, quality of life," says Wallwiener. Another important aspect of the certification is the scientific research activity of the medical team. In Heidelberg, the proximity to the NCT offers ideal conditions for basic translational research. The goal is to make new research results available for patient care as rapidly as possible, e.g. in the context of clinical studies.
Further information:
Center for Gynecological Oncology