Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to develop and evaluate a multidisciplinary care model utilizing Quality Control Circle (QCC) methodology for elderly patients undergoing radical cystectomy. METHODS: This comparative study included patients who underwent radical cystectomy at Zhujiang Hospital between May 2022 and July 2023 (pre-improvement group, n = 65) and between August 2023 and July 2024 (post-improvement group, n = 41). The QCC team implemented four key interventions: a case manager-led collaborative team, a comprehensive care information platform, tiered holistic care management protocols, and an evidence-based referral system. Patient outcomes were assessed using the FACT-Bl scale, discharge readiness measurements, and hospitalization duration. RESULTS: Post-implementation FACT-Bl scores demonstrated significant improvements across all dimensions (P < 0.05), with the most notable gains in functional well-being (8.52%, P < 0.001), followed by emotional well-being (5.88%, P = 0.002), social/family well-being (5.26%, P = 0.002), and physical well-being (5.00%, P = 0.016). The bladder cancer-specific subscale improved by 3.73% (P = 0.018), contributing to a 6.08% increase in total score (P < 0.001). While hospitalization duration remained comparable between groups (17.00 vs. 19.00 days, P = 0.771), discharge readiness significantly improved by 7.95% (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of this QCC-based multidisciplinary care model significantly enhanced quality of life and discharge readiness in elderly bladder cancer patients undergoing radical cystectomy. This approach offers a transferable framework that could benefit various clinical settings focused on optimizing geriatric care.