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Mission Statement:
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The translation of pertinent research results into consistent patient-oriented strategies
is a key endeavour of Cancer institutes to help improve cancer practices and patient outcomes.
The pertinent and timely translation of new knowledge is all the most important given the ever increasing body of
cancer research results: over 6500 publication and 250 cancer clinical trials per month (vs. 1700 and 2-3 in 1970).
It is estimated that overall 30-40% of patients do not receive treatment according to the best available evidence.
Despite tangible improvements in diagnosis and treatments, survival rates differ markedly across European regions
[Annals of Oncology 2007] demonstrating inequalities in cancer practices. Guidelines are important tools in an
evidence-based approach to transfer new research results into cancer practice.
Yet, although they have shown their capacity to improve clinical practice and outcome of patients with cancer,
the effects are not as marked as could be hoped. Indeed, the development, updating and implementation of high
quality guidelines that are effectively used require substantial time, expertise and resources.
Less formal guideline entities such as hospitals and clinician groups
can subsequently be overwhelmed by the requirements needed to create these tools To provide a collaborative response
to the current challenges European Cancer Institutes have to face, the key goals of the guidelines working group are:
- The improvement of the quality and efficiency of clinical practice guidelines
- The reduction of unnecessary duplication of effort
- The mutualisation of expertise among OECI members
Benefits foreseen by this working group toward the OECI community are the support for
OECI members and their networks in delivering appropriate, high quality care to patients with cancer.
In order to fulfil its aim, the working group guidelines participitates in international groups developing
tools and activities of added value for OECI members (e.g.ADAPTE
www.adapte.org and CoCanCPG
www.cocancpg.eu).
During the first semester of 2007, a survey has been performed (cf. pdf for main survey results)
within OECI members with the objectives of:
- Knowing about guideline activities of OECI members
- Identifying the needs and scope of OECI guideline workshop
- Refining the strategy of the Guideline working group
- Identifying specific needs of OECI members
- determining priorities
- assessing training and information needs
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