Plenary Session measures and transforms PCa care

How to measure quality

In his lecture “Quality metrics in prostate cancer”, Prof. John Yaxley (AU) stated that quality metrics and the national/global registry projects aim to improve the care provided to PCa patients by using a consistent dataset to identify and reduce variations in patient outcomes. He added that quality metrics provide patients and healthcare providers with objective and patient-reported outcome-based facts about surgical and radiotherapy results.

“If not mandated by the government authorities already, I would encourage all clinicians to become involved in Quality Metrics registries,” said Prof. Yaxley.

Prof. Alastair Lamb (GB) emphasised that long-term follow-up plays a crucial role in improving quality metrics by ensuring accurate data collection and transparent reporting during his lecture “The influence of long-term follow-up on quality metrics”. A methodical approach, combined with public accountability and active patient involvement, fosters a culture of continuous improvement. True progress requires both individuals and teams to embrace comparison. Prof. Lamb stated that ultimately, the goal is shared: “We all want to get better at what we do.”

During her presentation “Quality initiatives in prostate cancer care”, Dr. Géraldine Pignot (FR) said that in addition to survival outcomes, data on the quality of cancer care have become increasingly significant – particularly for regulators and health authorities aiming to reduce harm and costs associated with overtreatment and its sequelae.

According to Dr. Géraldine Pignot (FR), changes in perception and appreciation of the quality of PCa care have raised several questions. This has highlighted the need for programmes to ensure the successful implementation of interventions and support the community in achieving these goals.

Transforming quality of care

In “How to work with quality metrics?”, Prof. Markus Graefen (DE) emphasised the importance and advantages of implementing and monitoring the outcome projects related to quality metrics such as the “International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement (ICHOM) Set of Patient-Centered Outcome Measures for Localized Prostate Cancer.”  Prof. Graefen stated, “It leads to publications that generate data and more referrals. For us, it is like a ‘life insurance’ for a centre. Involve the doctors, as they are the key players; they are the steering partners of the process. Think twice about how detailed you make the personalised data public.”

On how to embed outcomes in the hospital’s governance (e.g., the planning and control cycle), Prof. Graefen advised holding regular meetings, discussing consequences for low or top performers before displaying the results to facilitate learning from each other, and convincing your CEO that financing data infrastructure is an investment that will yield returns.

In her lecture, “Multiprofessional prostate cancer care,” Prof. Alicia Morgans (US) concluded that a multiprofessional approach is critical to addressing the diverse needs of PCa patients. Interdisciplinary care – incorporating cardiologists, geriatricians, dietitians, physiotherapists, sexual health experts, and other clinicians – can provide significant benefits. “Systematic screening and care delivery enhance the ability to reach patients,” said Prof. Morgans. She added that novel systems of remote delivery and mobile apps may improve access while alleviating the burden on clinical teams.

“Cancer is still a taboo disease in some countries because it is linked to consequences in the quality of life, as well as fear of suffering and death,” said Dr. Tania Estapé (ES) during her lecture, “Patients’ expectations and patients’ perception.” She mentioned misconceptions such as the belief that cancer is contagious, a karmic punishment, or the use of “miraculous” cures.

Dr. Estapé also cited results from the EUPROMS study (Europa Uomo Patient Reported Outcome Study) such as that 42% of men who have been treated for PCa are anxious or depressed to some extent; 20% of the partners feel that the patients need help from a mental health professional; and 48% of the partners expressed that the patients are not the same after their PCa treatment.

Webcasts, videos, posters, and full-text abstracts are accessible via the EAU25 Resource Centre.