[Quality of life assessment as a gateway to the patient's individuality].

In the context of increasing life expectancy and complex medical situations, quality of life assessment can be a gateway to the patient's individuality and support medical decision making. There are different qualitative and quantitative assessment tools, ranging from a simple question that starts the discussion to standardized questionnaires. It is necessary to distinguish quality of life assessment in its economic, research and quality of care improvement perspective, from its evaluation within the doctor-patient relationship.

Describing adverse events in Swiss hospitalized oncology patients using the Global Trigger Tool.

Background And Aims: The occurrence rate of adverse events (AEs) related to care among hospitalized oncology patients in Switzerland remains unknown. The primary objective of this study was to describe, for the first time, the occurrence rate, type, severity of harm, and preventability of AEs related to care, reported in health records of hospitalized hematological and solid-tumor cancer patients in three Swiss hospitals.

Methods: Using an adapted version of the validated Global Trigger Tool (GTT) from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, we conducted a retrospective record review of patients discharged from oncology units over a 6-week period during 2018.

[Admission or non admission of patients with cancer to the ICU].

Determining if a critically ill patient with cancer will benefit from medical care in an intensive care unit can be a real challenge. Studies show that anticipating critical situations in oncology and collaboration between oncologists and intensivists diminish mortality and enhance resource use. This article covers some of the facts to consider in order to improve the management of these patients.