ESTRO 2024 - Abstract Book

S2886

Interdiscplinary - Other

ESTRO 2024

22. Cheng KJG, Rivera AS, Miguel RTDP, Lam HY. A cross-sectional study on the determinants of health-related quality of life in the Philippines using the EQ-5D-5L. Qual Life Res [Internet]. 2021;30(8):2137–47. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-021-02799-0

623

Digital Poster

Enhancing Patient Participation in Healthcare: Comprehensive Approach at a Leading Radiation Clinic

Claudia J.W. Offermann 1 , Anne P.M. Gubbels 1 , Paul H.P Cremers 1 , Prof. Dr. M.J.G Jacobs 2,1

1 Maastricht University Medical Center+, GROW School for Developmental Biology and Oncology,, Department of Radiation Oncology (Maastro), Maastricht, Netherlands. 2 Tilburg School of Economics and Management, Tilburg University, Department of Management, Tilburg, Netherlands

Purpose/Objective:

In the pursuit of improving healthcare, active patient participation is indispensable. Several studies propose that this approach enhances patient engagement, subsequently leading to an overall improvement in their quality of life (1–3). At a leading large academic radiation clinic in the Netherlands, we recognize the value of patient experience as expertise. Our recent study focused on evaluating the current state of patient participation, revealing that while its significance was acknowledged, active involvement fell short. In this study, we explore initiatives aimed at promoting patient participation in radiotherapy (RT), emphasizing understanding and integration of patient perspectives. Our goal is not only to view patients as recipients of RT treatment but as essential partners in their own healthcare journey. This commitment to collaboration and understanding forms the essence of our endeavor towards a healthcare system where empathy and respect are paramount, resulting in an enhanced quality of life for all stakeholders involved (4). From 2022-2023, various interventions were implemented at our clinic to fortify its commitment to patient centered care. Patient participation coordinators were appointed who were responsible for the implementation of these interventions. First, awareness campaigns were launched and an internal information page was created. These efforts aimed to enhance patients’ perspectives and increase employee knowledge. A patient panel was established to facilitate the incorporation of the patient perspective in projects and decisions. Second, collaborations with patient organizations were expanded and their knowledge and experience regarding patient participation was utilized to maximize the effects of other interventions. These interventions sought to amplify the presence of patient perspectives within the organization. Lastly, active engagement strategies were integrated into research and project approval procedures which led to consideration of the patient perspective in each new study and project. To measure the impact, pre- and post-surveys were conducted among healthcare professionals and staff (N=338 for pre-survey, N=354 for post-survey), with analyses performed using independent sample t tests (IBM SPSS 29.0). Material/Methods:

Results: