[Certification of head and neck tumor centers by the German Cancer Society : an overview].

The German Cancer Society has certified centers of oncological care since 2003. This is realized by clearly specified criteria that are implemented in the centers' clinical practice and thus enable holistic care of oncology patients. The most important instrument here is the interdisciplinary and multiprofessional teamwork of all relevant disciplines. This transsectoral cooperation leads to continuous cooperation between out- and inpatient partners and contributes significantly to the high-quality care of oncology patients in all stages of disease. Validation of the fulfillment and implementation of the required criteria proceeds in the form of audits, the feedback from which enables the centers to continually improve their quality of care. The integration of these sustainable approaches into clinical practice not only increases patient satisfaction, but also improves the motivation of the center staff.