Redefining Cancer Care: Empowering Patients through Patient-Reported Metrics

The Urgent Need for Patient-Centered Care

Cancer care in Europe today faces significant challenges, calling for innovative solutions. Inefficiencies, disparities in access, and inadequate focus on patient-centered approaches have compromised the quality of care received by cancer patients.

"Cancer disparities within Europe are evident in prevention, early detection, treatment, and survival rates," notes Caroline Berchet of the OECD Health Division, highlighting the imperative for addressing these inequalities.

Empowering Patients with PROMs and PREMs

The All.Can Action Guide for Efficient Cancer Care advocates the utilization of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) and Patient-Reported Experience Measures (PREMs). These tools empower patients by capturing their unique perspectives and experiences.

PROMs assess patients' health outcomes, while PREMs evaluate their experiences with healthcare providers and systems.

The All.Can Action Guide: A Blueprint for Change

Developed in collaboration with the University of Amsterdam, the All.Can Action Guide provides a roadmap for enhancing cancer care efficiency throughout Europe.

Ana Sofia Carvalho, lead researcher of the guide, emphasizes: "The aim is to put patients at the center of care, aligning their needs and preferences with the treatment provided."

From Metrics to Meaningful Change

Regular collection and analysis of PROMs and PREMs create actionable insights into inefficiencies, enhancing patient safety and quality of care.

"The patient's experience matters as much as any clinical examination," explains Carvalho. "We need to build a healthcare system that listens to and learns from its patients."

Success Stories: England and Switzerland

The integration of PROMs and PREMs has yielded promising results.

• England's National Cancer Patient Experience Survey (NCPES) has significantly impacted patient-centered cancer care since 2010.
• Switzerland's SCAPE (Swiss Cancer Patient Experiences) surveys have demonstrated innovation within a decentralized healthcare system.

Challenges and Overcoming Barriers

Despite their potential, implementing PROMs and PREMs faces hurdles, including standardization, lack of funding, and disparities in access to care.

"Sustainability is key," emphasizes Carvalho. "Consistent funding is crucial for expanding these efforts."

Recommendations for a Patient-Centered Europe

The All.Can Action Guide outlines clear recommendations for Europe:

• Adopt standardized instruments for consistent data collection.
• Integrate patient-reported data into cancer registries.
• Actively involve patients in healthcare system design and evaluation.
• Secure sustained funding for initiatives.

Conclusion: A Patient-Centered Future

"The ultimate goal is to ensure that cancer care aligns with the needs of those affected by it," concludes Carvalho. "By embracing patient-reported metrics, we can create a truly patient-centered healthcare system."

Europe's battle against cancer demands a transformed approach, one that prioritizes patient experience and empowerment. Through PROMs and PREMs, we forge a roadmap for a healthcare system that leaves no one behind.