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Supportive Care in Cancer
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer 8/2007

01-08-2007 | Editorial

Evaluating supportive cancer care: are we missing an opportunity?

Authors: Marja Verhoef, Laura Weeks, Alison Brazier, Anne Leis

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 8/2007

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Abstract

Introduction

Cancer care can be described as a system or complex network of interventions delivered at various times and places with different intentions.

Cancer care as a system

Cancer care can include medical treatments, psychosocial care, complementary and alternative medicine, self-care, as well as the process of healing and the context in which care is delivered.

Evaluating cancer care

Whereas evaluating individual cancer treatments can be difficult, evaluating cancer care is even more challenging and requires a research framework that relies on methodologies capable of addressing its holistic, individualized, and complex nature.

In summary

We suggest that research frameworks focused on studying complex or whole systems are a promising evaluation approach and an opportunity for further exploration.
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Metadata
Title
Evaluating supportive cancer care: are we missing an opportunity?
Authors
Marja Verhoef
Laura Weeks
Alison Brazier
Anne Leis
Publication date
01-08-2007
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 8/2007
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-007-0289-9

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