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01-02-2010 | Translational Research and Biomarkers

Beyond the False Negative Rate: Development of Quality Indicators for Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Breast Cancer

Authors: May Lynn Quan, MD, MSc, Bryan J. Wells, MD, David McCready, MD, MSc, Frances C. Wright, MD, MEd, Novlette Fraser, MA, Anna R. Gagliardi, PhD

Published in: Annals of Surgical Oncology | Issue 2/2010

Abstract

Background

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SNLB) has been adopted as the standard method of axillary staging for women with clinically node-negative early-stage breast cancer. The false negative rate as a quality indicator is impractical given the need for a completion axillary dissection to calculate. The objective of this study was to develop practical quality indicators for SLNB using an expert consensus method and to determine if they were feasible to measure.

Materials and Methods

We used a modified Delphi consensus process to develop quality indicators for SLNB. A multidisciplinary expert panel reviewed potential indicators extracted from the medical literature to select quality indicators that were relevant and measurable. Feasibility was determined by abstracting the quality indicator variables from a retrospective chart review.

Results

The expert panel prioritized 11 quality indicators as benchmarks for assessing the quality of surgical care in SNLB. Nine of the indicators were measurable at the chart or institutional level.

Conclusions

A systematic evidence- and consensus-based approach was used to develop measurable quality indicators that could be used by practicing surgeons and administrators to evaluate performance of SLNB in breast cancer.

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Title: Beyond the False Negative Rate: Development of Quality Indicators for Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Breast Cancer
Authors: May Lynn Quan, MD, MSc
Bryan J. Wells, MD
David McCready, MD, MSc
Frances C. Wright, MD, MEd
Novlette Fraser, MA
Anna R. Gagliardi, PhD
Publication date: 01-02-2010
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Annals of Surgical Oncology / Issue 2/2010
Print ISSN: 1068-9265
Electronic ISSN: 1534-4681
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-009-0658-3

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Beyond the False Negative Rate: Development of Quality Indicators for Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Breast Cancer

Abstract

Background

Materials and Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Materials and Methods

Results

Conclusions

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