Improvement of Cancer Care—Analysis of ESGO Quality Indicators for the Surgical Treatment of Endometrial Cancer in Slovenian and Croatian Gynaecologic Oncology Departments
Background and Objectives: This study aims to analyze ESGO quality indicators for the surgical treatment of endometrial cancer patients at two gynecologic oncology departments in Slovenia and Croatia, providing insights for improving cancer care. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of clinical data to evaluate ESGO quality indicators for surgical treatment of endometrial cancer patients from 2020 to 2022. ESGO quality indicators were calculated, and the results were discussed to formulate suggestions for enhancing cancer care. Institutional review board approval was obtained for the analysis. Results: The analysis reveals that the Slovenian Department for Gynecology and Breast Oncology in Maribor achieved compliance with 24 out of 26 quality indicators, while the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Rijeka met 18 out of 26. The disparity may be partly attributed to Maribor’s status as an ESGO-accredited center in training since 2014, which facilitates more rapid updates in care practices. Conclusions: Based on our findings and epidemiological data, we recommend several actions to enhance cancer care in both countries: (a) advance initiatives for the centralization of care (2 to 3 centers in Slovenia and 5 to 6 in Croatia), (b) implement a national system for the prospective measurement of quality indicators, and (c) pursue center accreditation and gynecologist certification in subspecialty care by international societies such as ESGO, given the small size of both countries. Our results confirm that the analysis of ESGO quality indicators is a viable method for all stakeholders involved in enhancing cancer care.
