TITLE:
Prevention and Reduction of Complications in Women with Vulvar Cancer: Development of an Algorithm for Safer Multidisciplinary Care
AUTHORS:
Beate Senn, Andrea Kobleder, Silvia Raphaelis, Michael D. Mueller, Beatrice Kammermann, Kathryn White, Manuela Eicher
KEYWORDS:
Vulvar Cancer, Post-Surgical Complications, Care Algorithm, Health Care Professionals
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Cancer Therapy,
Vol.6 No.10,
September
4,
2015
ABSTRACT: Purpose: Women who are surgically treated for vulvar cancer often have
complications leading to substantial patient morbidity. Post-surgical
complications could be minimized by the identification of pre-surgical risks
for complications and by planned post-surgical interventions. Therefore, the
aim of this study was to develop a clinical care algorithm for vulvar cancer to
assess risk for complications and prevent and control post-surgical
complications. Methods: Key elements of the algorithm were identified via a
literature review, structured chart review, a survey of care team members and
interviews with stakeholders including healthcare team, patients and their
family. Results: An algorithm for the management of wound and psychosocial
complications was developed, based on internal and external evidence and was
vetted by expert reviewers. Conclusion: Describing the process and defining the
roles of health care professionals contributes to purposeful, systematic
prevention and treatment of post-surgical complications. The care algorithm provides
structured reference points for healthcare professionals with regard to
multidisciplinary post-surgical management of vulvar cancer patients.