Quality in head neck oncology.

A professionally qualified, patient- and demand-oriented, economic, high-quality care of patients with head and neck cancer is a challenge. Quality optimization in German head and neck oncology is based on quality-enhancing framework conditions such as the National Cancer Plan, the expansion of clinical cancer registries and the existence of evidence-based guidelines that were drawn up as part of the "Oncology Guidelines Program" initiated in 2008 (S3-guidelines for oral cavity and larynx cancer). There are currently 56 certified head and neck cancer centres in Germany with the aim of objectifiably increasing the quality of treatment and improving the outcomes of patients. Various quality indicators have been developed, there are programs for quality assurance of therapy and within studies. The aim of this review is to present quality standards in head and neck oncology.