PROMs and PREMs in Dutch integrated head and neck cancer care: Measurements and evaluation.

Abstract

209 Background: Providing patient-centred care is an essential component of high quality integrated care. Nowadays, patient reported outcomes and experiences are increasingly used to measure quality of care. As part of a quality registration, the Dutch Head and Neck Audit, patient reported outcomes (PROs) and experiences (PREs) of patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) are measured with questionnaires and evaluated to increase patient-centred care. Methods: Patientswere recruited from nine hospitals participating in the DHNA. Validated questionnaires were distributed at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months follow-up. Included PROMs were EQ-5D-3L, EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-H&N35. Included PREMs were Consumer Quality index for Oncologic care (CQO) and Radiotherapeutic care (CQR). CQO and CQR have similar domains with different questions. With descriptive analysis, ANOVA and mixed model analysis, differences over time and between treatment groups were analyzed. Results: Questionnaires were filled in by 238 patients. Pain decreased significantly at 6 and 12 months follow-up and dry mouth increased significantly at 3, 6 and 12 months follow-up compared to baseline. Sticky Salvia, problems with social eating and sense problems increased at 3 and 6 months follow-up, but were similar to the baseline score at 12 months follow-up. Pain and sticky saliva differed between radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy or surgery and radiotherapy respectively (p ≤ 0.05). Regarding the CQO domain scores, all treatment groups differ significantly from each other (p ≤ 0.05). This was not regarding the CQR domain scores. Except for the domain Organisation, no differences between the CQO and CQR domain scores were found. Recognizing the emotional side of HNC (care) and intensifying guidance after the treatment period needs improvement. Conclusions: This study gives clues to improve healthcare according the experiences of the patient and we can predict more carefully the outcomes of the patients with different treatment types. PROMs according to the ICHOM criteria and PREMs are promising for measuring and improving quality and personalization of HNC care. However, the usage of two PREMs had no added value to evaluate and address points of improvement.