Development of the First Patient-centred Set of Outcomes for Muscle-invasive and Metastatic Bladder Cancer: A Multicentre Initiative

Abstract

Background: To improve and compare outcomes in healthcare, it is necessary to standardise outcome measurements. There are no widely accepted standardised outcome measures reflecting quality of care for bladder cancer (BCa) patients. Objective: The aim of this study was to create a standardised set of outcomes for patients with muscle-invasive or metastatic BCa, using the value-based healthcare principles. Design, setting, and participants: A multidisciplinary working group of 25 healthcare professionals and patient representatives was assembled, to develop the set. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis: We used an online RAND-modified Delphi process to prioritise, discuss, and reach consensus regarding the outcomes, case-mix variables, and treatment factors. Results and limitations: Recognising the heterogeneity of patients with BCa, the working group defined the scope as patients with muscle-invasive and metastatic BCa. A total of 24 outcomes, including ten patient-reported outcomes, were included in the standard set of outcomes, covering survival, complication rates, recurrence of disease, readmissions after treatment, and quality of life (QoL). Fourteen case-mix variables were included. The EQ-5D and European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality of life (EORTC-QLQ) questionnaires were recommended to measure QoL. Conclusions: We developed the first standardised set of patient-centred outcomes for muscle-invasive and metastatic BCa. The sue of this set enables institutions to monitor, compare, and improve the quality of BCa care, on an international level. Patient summary: Our group of healthcare professionals and patient representatives recommended a standardised set of patient-centred outcomes to be followed during the treatment of patients with muscle-invasive or metastatic bladder cancer, in order to monitor, compare, and improve the quality of care.