Improving cancer care in Europe: Which institutional health structures might be beneficial and why? 1. European Roundtable Meeting (ERTM), 16th May 2014, Berlin, Germany.

PURPOSE: Bringing the knowledge and expertise of different European countries and the European Commission together for an analysis of the different factors being beneficent or rather opposing for high quality in cancer care. A specific focus is set on the structures and views in European nations on implementation processes. RESULTS: Due to the variation of National Cancer Control Plans (NCCPs) the preferences for implementation strategies differ. For quality achievement the involvement of the different stakeholders is beneficial. Common sense was the importance of NCCPs. However, it was consensus between participants that a bottom-up approach that considers the needs of different professional groups involved in cancer care and also the views of patients is of critical importance for successful implementation. Functioning cancer registries and evidence-based guidelines with standard of care are fundamental for quality measurement. CONCLUSIONS: There is consensus between participants of the meeting that NCCPs are essential for improvement of cancer care. However, national preferences and the views of patients and caregivers have to be included to guarantee successful implementation.