Interhospital referral of colorectal cancer patients: a Dutch population-based study.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Interhospital referral is a consequence of centralization of complex oncological care but might negatively impact waiting time, a quality indicator in the Netherlands. This study aims to evaluate characteristics and waiting times of patients with primary colorectal cancer who are referred between hospitals.

Methods

Data were extracted from the Dutch ColoRectal Audit (2015-2019). Waiting time between first tumor-positive biopsy until first treatment was compared between subgroups stratified for referral status, disease stage, and type of hospital.

Results

In total, 46,561 patients were included. Patients treated for colon or rectal cancer in secondary care hospitals were referred in 12.2% and 14.7%, respectively. In tertiary care hospitals, corresponding referr

SUBMITTER: Warps AK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8195929 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature