Improving clinical outcomes through centralization of rectal cancer surgery and clinical audit: a mixed-methods assessment

Background : The aim of centralizing rectal cancer surgery in Catalonia (Spain) was to improve the quality of patient care. We evaluated the impact of this policy by assessing patterns of care, comparing the clinical audits carried out and analysing the implications of the healthcare reform from an organizational perspective. Methods : A mixed methods approach based on a convergent parallel design was used. Quality of rectal cancer care was...