OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the implementation of Value-Based Healthcare principles for lung cancer patients in a large Belgian hospital. This hospital implemented a digital platform for the collection of patient-reported outcomes and the standardization of care pathways. Also, a follow-up by the multidisciplinary care team was put in place.

METHODS: Evaluation was done by employing a mixed method approach with data-analysis of all included patients (n=201), a pilot study (n=30), and semi-structured interviews with the care team (n=5).

RESULTS: Overall, 95% of all lung cancer patients of two thoracic oncologists agreed to participate in the digital follow-up during the period January 2018–September 2020 (201 participating patients). The response rates of those patients were high: 92% of the weekly questionnaires and 90% of the 6-weekly ICHOM questionnaires were responded. Based on the pilot study, we conclude that questions are clear and the platform is user-friendly for 90% of patients in the pilot. The interviews revealed that the weekly follow-up has a positive impact on the patient–provider communication and makes it easier to discuss psychological and palliative care needs.

CONCLUSIONS: This study has shown that it is feasible to implement a weekly digital follow-up of PROs in routine clinical practice for lung cancer patients. The digital platform is user-friendly, questions are clear and the follow-up of PROs is integrated in the multidisciplinary care delivery. As a result, the response rates are high and the weekly follow-up had a positive impact on the patient–provider communication and makes it easier to discuss psychological and palliative care needs.