Analyzing Ovarian Cancer Surgery by Using Two Sources of Hospital Discharge Data

University of Washington: Health Promotion Research Center

Topics:
Cancer

This study examines the health systems in which women with ovarian cancer receive care and identifies whether women vulnerable because of racial or ethnic minority status, low income, or rural residence receive care in health systems that have been associated with less favorable outcomes. It also examines which health systems are associated with recommended, comprehensive surgical care for ovarian cancer. Hospital discharge records for women aged 21 years or older who received primary surgical treatment for ovarian cancer from 1999 through 2002 at an acute care hospital in one of nine states (Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Maine, New Jersey, New York, South Carolina, Washington, and Wisconsin) will be used. The analysis will determine the distribution of ovarian cancer surgeries among hospitals by volume of surgery and teaching status of hospital and among surgeons having different specialties (gynecologic oncology, obstetrics-gynecology, general surgery). The researchers will identify factors associated with receipt of recommended surgical treatment for ovarian cancer. Results from this study may suggest whether one type of health care setting is more effective than another in providing recommended ovarian cancer treatment, and the degree to which more vulnerable and less vulnerable women are receiving ovarian cancer care in optimal health care settings.

 

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