Evaluation of the implementation of Value-Based Healthcare with a weekly digital follow-up of lung cancer patients in clinical practice.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the implementation of Value-Based Healthcare principles for lung cancer patients in a large Belgian hospital. This hospital implemented a digital platform for the collection of patient-reported outcomes and the standardisation of care pathways. Also, a follow-up by the multidisciplinary care team was put in place. METHODS: Evaluation was done by employing a mixed method approach with data analysis of all included patients (n = 201), a pilot study (n = 30) and semi-structured interviews with the care team (n = 5). RESULTS: Overall, 95% of all lung cancer patients of two thoracic oncologists agreed to participate in the digital follow-up during the period January 2018 to September 2020 (201 participating patients). The response rates of those patients were high: 92% of the weekly questionnaires and 90% of the 6-weekly ICHOM questionnaires were responded. Based on the pilot study, we conclude that questions are clear and the platform is user-friendly for 90% of patients in the pilot. The interviews revealed that the weekly follow-up has a positive impact on the patient-provider communication and makes it easier to discuss psychological and palliative care needs. CONCLUSION: This study shows a successful implementation of Value Based Healthcare with weekly digital follow-up. Clinical trial registration is as follows: www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov, NCT04712149.