Predictors of the accuracy of pulse-contour cardiac index and suggestion of a calibration-index: a prospective evaluation and validation study.

Background: Cardiac Index (CI) is a key-parameter of hemodynamic monitoring. Indicator-dilution is considered as gold standard and can be obtained by pulmonary arterial catheter or transpulmonary thermodilution (TPTD; CItd). Furthermore, CI can be estimated by Pulse-Contour-Analysis (PCA) using arterial wave-form analysis (CIpc).

'Act on oncology' as a new comprehensive approach to assess prostate cancer centres--method description and results of a pilot study.

Background: Multidisciplinary care of prostate cancer is increasingly offered in specialised cancer centres. It requires the optimisation of medical and operational processes and the integration of the different medical and non-medical stakeholders.

Objective: To develop a standardised operational process assessment tool basing on the capability maturity model integration (CMMI) able to implement multidisciplinary care and improve process quality and efficiency.

Economic constraints - the growing challenge for Western breast cancer centers.

Breast cancer care in Western countries has reached a considerable level of quality and standardization, which has contributed to the decline in breast cancer mortality. Certified Breast Cancer Centers (BCC) represent an important element of this development. Related to changes in reimbursement and growing costs, BCC face economic constraints which ultimately could endanger the achievements of the past.