Most cancers occur in older people and the burden in this age group is increasing. Over the past two decades the evidence on how best to treat this population has increased rapidly. However,... Show moreMost cancers occur in older people and the burden in this age group is increasing. Over the past two decades the evidence on how best to treat this population has increased rapidly. However, implementation of new best practices has been slow and needs involvement of policymakers. This perspective paper explains why older people with cancer have different needs than the wider population. An overview is given of the recommended approach for older people with cancer and its benefits on clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness. In older patients, the geriatric assessment (GA) is the gold standard to measure level of fitness and to determine treatment tolerability. The GA, with multiple domains of physical health, functional status, psychological health and socio-environmental factors, prevents initiation of inappropriate oncologic treatment and recommends geriatric interventions to optimize the patient's general health and thus resilience for receiving treatments. Multiple studies have proven its benefits such as reduced toxicity, better quality of life, better patient-centred communication and lower healthcare use. Although GA might require investment of time and resources, this is relatively small compared to the improved outcomes, possible cost-savings and compared to the large cost of oncologic treatments as a whole. Show less
Objective To identify evidence on the reporting quality of consensus methodology and to select potential checklist items for the ACcurate COnsensus Reporting Document (ACCORD) project to develop a... Show moreObjective To identify evidence on the reporting quality of consensus methodology and to select potential checklist items for the ACcurate COnsensus Reporting Document (ACCORD) project to develop a consensus reporting guideline.Design Systematic review.Data sources Embase, MEDLINE, Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Emcare, Academic Search Premier and PsycINFO from inception until 7 January 2022.Eligibility criteria Studies, reviews and published guidance addressing the reporting quality of consensus methodology for improvement of health outcomes in biomedicine or clinical practice. Reports of studies using or describing consensus methods but not commenting on their reporting quality were excluded. No language restrictions were applied.Data extraction and synthesis Screening and data extraction of eligible studies were carried out independently by two authors. Reporting quality items addressed by the studies were synthesised narratively.Results Eighteen studies were included: five systematic reviews, four narrative reviews, three research papers, three conference abstracts, two research guidance papers and one protocol. The majority of studies indicated that the quality of reporting of consensus methodology could be improved. Commonly addressed items were: consensus panel composition; definition of consensus and the threshold for achieving consensus. Items least addressed were: public patient involvement (PPI); the role of the steering committee, chair, cochair; conflict of interest of panellists and funding. Data extracted from included studies revealed additional items that were not captured in the data extraction form such as justification of deviation from the protocol or incentives to encourage panellist response.Conclusion The results of this systematic review confirmed the need for a reporting checklist for consensus methodology and provided a range of potential checklist items to report. The next step in the ACCORD project builds on this systematic review and focuses on reaching consensus on these items to develop the reporting guideline. Show less
Vijverberg, J.R.G.; Daniels, K.; Steinmann, G.; Garvelink, M.M.; Voort, M.B.V.R. van der; Biesma, D.; ... ; Nat, P. van der 2022
Objectives We aimed to systematically map the extent, range and nature of research activity on value-based healthcare (VBHC), and to identify research gaps. Design A scoping review with an... Show moreObjectives We aimed to systematically map the extent, range and nature of research activity on value-based healthcare (VBHC), and to identify research gaps. Design A scoping review with an additional cited reference search was conducted, guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. Data sources The search was undertaken in PubMed, Embase and Web of Science. Eligibility criteria Eligible articles mentioned VBHC or value with reference to the work of Porter or provided a definition of VBHC or value. Data extraction and synthesis Data were independently extracted using a data extraction form. Two independent reviewers double extracted data from 10% of the articles. Data of the remaining articles (90%) were extracted by one reviewer and checked by a second. The strategic agenda of Porter and Lee was used to categorise the included articles. Results The searches yielded a total of 27,931 articles, of which 1,242 were analysed. Most articles were published in North America. Most articles described an application of VBHC by measuring outcomes and costs (agenda item 2). The other agenda items were far less frequently described or implemented. Most of these articles were conceptual, meaning that nothing was actually changed or implemented. Conclusion The number of publications increased steadily after the introduction of VBHC in 2006. Almost one-fifth of the articles could not be categorised in one of the items of the strategic agenda, which may lead to the conclusion that the current strategic agenda could be extended. In addition, a practical roadmap or guideline to implement VBHC is still lacking. Future research could fill this gap by specifically studying the effectiveness of VBHC in day-to-day clinical practice. Show less
Have, P. ten; Hal, P. van; Wichers, I.; Kooistra, J.; Hagedoorn, P.; Brakema, E.A.; ... ; Ossebaard, H.C. 2022
Objectives Dry powder inhalers (DPIs) and soft mist inhalers have a substantially lower global warming potential than pressurised metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs). To help mitigate climate change, we... Show moreObjectives Dry powder inhalers (DPIs) and soft mist inhalers have a substantially lower global warming potential than pressurised metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs). To help mitigate climate change, we assessed the potential emission reduction in CO2 equivalents when replacing pMDIs by non-propellant inhalers (NPIs) in Dutch respiratory healthcare and estimated the associated cost. Design We performed a descriptive analysis of prescription data from two national databases of two independent governmental bodies. First, we calculated the number of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma that were using inhalation medication (2020). Second, we calculated the number and total of daily defined doses of pMDIs and NPIs including DPIs and soft mist inhalers, as well as the number of dispensed spacers per patient (2020). Third, we estimated the potential emission reduction in CO2 equivalents if 70% of patients would switch from using pMDIs to using NPIs. Fourth, we performed a budget impact analysis. Setting Dutch respiratory healthcare. Primary and secondary outcome measures The carbon footprint of current inhalation medication and the environmental and financial impact of replacing pMDIs with NPIs. Results In 2020, 1.4 million patients used inhalers for COPD or asthma treatment. A total of 364 million defined daily doses from inhalers were dispensed of which 49.6% were dispensed through pMDIs. We estimated that this could be reduced by 70% which would lead to an annual reduction in greenhouse gas emission of 63 million kg.CO2 equivalents saving at best EUR 49.1 million per year. Conclusions In the Netherlands, substitution of pMDIs to NPIs for eligible patients is theoretically safe and in accordance with medical guidelines, while reducing greenhouse gas emission by 63 million kg.CO2 equivalents on average and saving at best EUR 49.1 million per year. This study confirms the potential climate and economic benefit of delivering a more eco-friendly respiratory care. Show less
Staalduinen, D.J. van; Bekerom, P. van den; Groeneveld, S.; Kidanemariam, M.; Stiggelbout, A.M.; Akker-van Marle, M.E. van den 2022
Background: The aim of this study was to identify and summarize how value-based healthcare (VBHC) is conceptualized in the literature and implemented in hospitals. Furthermore, an overview was... Show moreBackground: The aim of this study was to identify and summarize how value-based healthcare (VBHC) is conceptualized in the literature and implemented in hospitals. Furthermore, an overview was created of the effects of both the implementation of VBHC and the implementation strategies used.Methods: A scoping review was conducted by searching online databases for articles published between January 2006 and February 2021. Empirical as well as non-empirical articles were included.Results: 1729 publications were screened and 62 were used for data extraction. The majority of the articles did not specify a conceptualization of VBHC, but only conceptualized the goals of VBHC or the concept of value. Most hospitals implemented only one or two components of VBHC, mainly the measurement of outcomes and costs or Integrated Practice Units (IPUs). Few studies examined effects. Implementation strategies were described rarely, and were evaluated even less.Conclusions: VBHC has a high level of interpretative variability and a common conceptualization of VBHC is therefore urgently needed. VBHC was proposed as a shift in healthcare management entailing six reinforcing steps, but hospitals have not implemented VBHC as an integrative strategy. VBHC implementation and effectiveness could benefit from the interdisciplinary collaboration between healthcare and management science. Show less
Silven, A.V.; Peet, P.G. van; Boers, S.N.; Tabak, M.; Groot, A. de; Hendriks, D.; ... ; Villalobos-Quesada, M. 2022
Background Implementation of digital health (eHealth) generally involves adapting pre-established and carefully considered processes or routines, and still raises multiple ethical and legal... Show moreBackground Implementation of digital health (eHealth) generally involves adapting pre-established and carefully considered processes or routines, and still raises multiple ethical and legal dilemmas. This study aimed to identify challenges regarding responsibility and liability when prescribing digital health in clinical practice. This was part of an overarching project aiming to explore the most pressing ethical and legal obstacles regarding the implementation and adoption of digital health in the Netherlands, and to propose actionable solutions. Methods A series of multidisciplinary focus groups with stakeholders who have relevant digital health expertise were analysed through thematic analysis. Results The emerging general theme was 'uncertainty regarding responsibilities' when adopting digital health. Key dilemmas take place in clinical settings and within the doctor-patient relationship ('professional digital health'). This context is particularly challenging because different stakeholders interact. In the absence of appropriate legal frameworks and codes of conduct tailored to digital health, physicians' responsibility is to be found in their general duty of care. In other words: to do what is best for patients (not causing harm and doing good). Professional organisations could take a leading role to provide more clarity with respect to physicians' responsibility, by developing guidance describing physicians' duty of care in the context of digital health, and to address the resulting responsibilities. Conclusions Although legal frameworks governing medical practice describe core ethical principles, rights and obligations of physicians, they do not suffice to clarify their responsibilities in the setting of professional digital health. Here we present a series of recommendations to provide more clarity in this respect, offering the opportunity to improve quality of care and patients' health. The recommendations can be used as a starting point to develop professional guidance and have the potential to be adapted to other healthcare professionals and systems. Show less
Silven, A.V.; Peet, P.G. van; Boers, S.N.; Tabak, M.; Groot, A. de; Hendriks, D.; ... ; Villalobos-Quesada, M. 2022
BackgroundImplementation of digital health (eHealth) generally involves adapting pre-established and carefully considered processes or routines, and still raises multiple ethical and legal dilemmas... Show moreBackgroundImplementation of digital health (eHealth) generally involves adapting pre-established and carefully considered processes or routines, and still raises multiple ethical and legal dilemmas. This study aimed to identify challenges regarding responsibility and liability when prescribing digital health in clinical practice. This was part of an overarching project aiming to explore the most pressing ethical and legal obstacles regarding the implementation and adoption of digital health in the Netherlands, and to propose actionable solutions.MethodsA series of multidisciplinary focus groups with stakeholders who have relevant digital health expertise were analysed through thematic analysis.ResultsThe emerging general theme was ‘uncertainty regarding responsibilities’ when adopting digital health. Key dilemmas take place in clinical settings and within the doctor-patient relationship (‘professional digital health’). This context is particularly challenging because different stakeholders interact. In the absence of appropriate legal frameworks and codes of conduct tailored to digital health, physicians’ responsibility is to be found in their general duty of care. In other words: to do what is best for patients (not causing harm and doing good). Professional organisations could take a leading role to provide more clarity with respect to physicians’ responsibility, by developing guidance describing physicians’ duty of care in the context of digital health, and to address the resulting responsibilities.ConclusionsAlthough legal frameworks governing medical practice describe core ethical principles, rights and obligations of physicians, they do not suffice to clarify their responsibilities in the setting of professional digital health. Here we present a series of recommendations to provide more clarity in this respect, offering the opportunity to improve quality of care and patients’ health. The recommendations can be used as a starting point to develop professional guidance and have the potential to be adapted to other healthcare professionals and systems. Show less
Sawatzky, R.; Kwon, J.Y.; Barclay, R.; Chauhan, C.; Frank, L.; Hout, W.B. van den; ... ; Response Shift Syn 2021
Purpose Results of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are increasingly used to inform healthcare decision-making. Research has shown that response shift can impact PROM results. As part of... Show morePurpose Results of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are increasingly used to inform healthcare decision-making. Research has shown that response shift can impact PROM results. As part of an international collaboration, our goal is to provide a framework regarding the implications of response shift at the level of patient care (micro), healthcare institute (meso), and healthcare policy (macro). Methods Empirical evidence of response shift that can influence patients' self-reported health and preferences provided the foundation for development of the framework. Measurement validity theory, hermeneutic philosophy, and micro-, meso-, and macro-level healthcare decision-making informed our theoretical analysis. Results At the micro-level, patients' self-reported health needs to be interpreted via dialogue with the clinician to avoid misinterpretation of PROM data due to response shift. It is also important to consider the potential impact of response shift on study results, when these are used to support decisions. At the meso-level, individual-level data should be examined for response shift before aggregating PROM data for decision-making related to quality improvement, performance monitoring, and accreditation. At the macro-level, critical reflection on the conceptualization of health is required to know whether response shift needs to be controlled for when PROM data are used to inform healthcare coverage. Conclusion Given empirical evidence of response shift, there is a critical need for guidelines and knowledge translation to avoid potential misinterpretations of PROM results and consequential biases in decision-making. Our framework with guiding questions provides a structure for developing strategies to address potential impacts of response shift at micro-, meso-, and macro-levels. Show less
Background: To coordinate and align the content for registration of cholesteatoma care. Methods: Systematic Delphi consensus procedure, consisting three rounds: two written sessions followed by a... Show moreBackground: To coordinate and align the content for registration of cholesteatoma care. Methods: Systematic Delphi consensus procedure, consisting three rounds: two written sessions followed by a face-to-face meeting. Before this procedure, input on important patient outcomes was obtained. Consensus was defined as at least 80% agreement by participants. Hundred-thirty-six adult patients who had undergone cholesteatoma surgery and all ENT surgeons of the Dutch ENT Society were invited. The consensus rounds were attended by ENT surgeons with cholesteatoma surgery experience. Feasibility and acceptability of outcome measures and reporting agreements were assessed in round 1 by 150 ENT surgeons. In round 2 definitions were narrowed and context information to interpret outcome measure were questioned. In round 3, the results, amendments, and the open-ended points were discussed to reach agreement. Results: Most important outcome measures are: 1) the presence or absence of a cholesteatoma in the first 5 years after surgical removal of cholesteatoma, 2) hearing level after surgical removal of cholesteatoma, and 3) the documented assessment of patient's complaints with a validated patient reported outcome measures questionnaire (PROM). Furthermore, consensus was reached on the registration of cholesteatoma type (residual/recurrent), localization of cholesteatoma, and reporting of the presence of cholesteatoma in the follow-up. Conclusion: Consensus was reached on the content and method of registration of cholesteatoma care based on patient's and ENT surgeons input. Three outcome measures were defined. National agreements on the method and content of registration will facilitate monitoring and feedback to the ENT surgeon about the cholesteatoma care. Show less
Rauwerdink, A.; Kasteleyn, M.J.; Haafkens, J.A.; Chavannes, N.H.; Schijven, M.P.; Venema-Taat, N.; ... ; Citrien Fund Program eHlth 2020
Life expectancy has steadily increased with around 2.5 years per decade over the past 150 years and continuous to do so at a similar rate [1]. Before 1950, the increase in life expectancy was... Show moreLife expectancy has steadily increased with around 2.5 years per decade over the past 150 years and continuous to do so at a similar rate [1]. Before 1950, the increase in life expectancy was primarily driven by reductions in child mortality. During the last decades, however, the increase in life expectancy is mainly the result of mortality reductions at old age [2]. Better living conditions and hygiëne have saved us from an early death, while incremental health care innovations have brought us an old age Show less
