Prevention and Reduction of Complications in Women with Vulvar Cancer: Development of an Algorithm for Safer Multidisciplinary Care

Abstract

Purpose: Women who are surgically treated for vulvar cancer often have complications leading to substantial patient morbidity. Post-surgical complications could be minimized by the identification of pre-surgical risks for complications and by planned post-surgical interventions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a clinical care algorithm for vulvar cancer to assess risk for complications and prevent and control post-surgical complications. Methods: Key elements of the algorithm were identified via a literature review, structured chart review, a survey of care team members and interviews with stakeholders including healthcare team, patients and their family. Results: An algorithm for the management of wound and psychosocial complications was developed, based on internal and external evidence and was vetted by expert reviewers. Conclusion: Describing the process and defining the roles of health care professionals contributes to purposeful, systematic prevention and treatment of post-surgical complications. The care algorithm provides structured reference points for healthcare professionals with regard to multidisciplinary post-surgical management of vulvar cancer patients.