Closing Knowledge Gaps to Optimize Patient Outcomes and Advance Precision Medicine. "Realizing the promise of precision
2019-03-23 12:23:31
Closing Knowledge Gaps to Optimize Patient Outcomes and Advance Precision Medicine.
"Realizing the promise of precision medicine requires patient engagement
at the key decision points throughout the cancer journey. Previous
research has shown that patients who make the "right" decisions, such as
being treated at a high-volume academic medical center, for example,
have better outcomes. An online survey was conducted to understand
awareness of and barriers to these decision points among patients with
multiple myeloma and pancreatic, lung, prostate, and metastatic breast
cancers. Survey respondents were identified by 5 participating
foundations (multiple myeloma: n = 86, pancreatic: n = 108, lung: n =
56, prostate: n = 50, metastatic breast: n = 86) and recruited by an
e-mail or social media invitation. Descriptive analyses were calculated,
and the proportion of patients from each of the 5 groups was compared
for each response category for each survey item. Consistent gaps in
knowledge and actions were identified across all cancers evaluated in
terms of finding the right doctors/team at the right center; getting the
right diagnostic testing done before beginning treatment; engaging in
the right course of treatment, including clinical trials; and in sharing
data. Improving awareness of and changing behavior around these 4
decision points will allow patients to receive better care and
contribute to the advancement of precision medicine."
Where patient choice requires them to make the "right" decisions on their cancer care there are consistent gaps in how they approach the challenge. Is it more effective to address these decision points directly with patients or optimise the system so that treatment journeys follow evidence-based referral pathways?
Source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
right n points decision gaps precision patients myeloma
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