Oncological breast cancer care in selected European countries: cross-sectoral cancer care models

Grössmann-Waniek N, Strohmaier C, Riegelnegg M
Record ID 32018013938
English
Authors' objectives: The increasing incidence and prevalence of cancer, particularly breast cancer, present substantial challenges for the Austrian healthcare system. The current hospital-centred care delivery model contributes to escalating costs and suboptimal resource utilisation.
Authors' results and conclusions: Analysis of healthcare infrastructures and cross-sectoral care approaches throughout the patient journey identified three distinct models: centralised specialist models (AT, BE, DK) characterised by highly specialised centres with strict volume requirements; decentralised care (DE) featuring distributed hospital structures in the in- and outpatient setting; and network-based integrated care (NL, SE) combining specialist centres with regional care delivery. These models demonstrate considerable variations in their utilisation of inpatient, outpatient, and home-based care services. While these models reflect varying degrees of centralisation and specialisation, they all aim to ensure high-quality care through regulation, accreditation and collaboration, with countries combining elements of different models based on their national cancer strategy and healthcare infrastructure.
Authors' recommendations: For Austria, implementing a gradual transition towards a more decentralised or network-based model could potentially alleviate pressure on hospital resources while enhancing quality of care. However, successful implementation necessitates an appropriate infrastructure, qualified healthcare professionals, and effective cross-sectoral coordination. Key challenges include addressing workforce shortages and overcoming fragmented data integration across healthcare sectors.
Authors' methods: A comprehensive analysis of cancer care models across six European countries (Austria [AT], Germany [DE], Denmark [DK], Sweden [SE], Netherlands [NL] and Belgium [BE]) was conducted by means of a structured literature review, expert consultations (n=17), and data synthesis, focusing specifically on breast cancer care.
Details
Project Status: Completed
Year Published: 2024
URL for additional information: https://eprints.aihta.at/1545/
English language abstract: An English language summary is available
Publication Type: Full HTA
Country: Austria
MeSH Terms
  • Breast Neoplasms
  • Cancer Care Facilities
  • Chronic Care Model
  • Delivery of Health Care, Integrated
Keywords
  • Breast cancer care
  • cancer care
  • cross-sectoral care
  • care models
Contact
Organisation Name: Austrian Institute for Health Technology Assessment
Contact Address: Garnisongasse 7/20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
Contact Name: office@aihta.at
Contact Email: office@aihta.at
This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment from a member of INAHTA or other HTA producer. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database.