Best Onco Care

Every year, 108,000 new cancer patients are diagnosed in the Netherlands. Among these, 62% survive their treatment and recover, and 60% survive 5 years after diagnosis thanks to medical support. However, most patients regret their treatment choices and would have done things differently if there was no time pressure and if information was available about their personal treatment options. Patients want a decision making process that does a better job of including their preferences regarding their own personal well-being.

The medical world can’t meet patients’ expectations due to lack of knowledge and coordination. There are silos between oncologists and general practitioners, who are often unaware of what happens during the patient’s journey from diagnosis to recovery. Oncologists focus on treating tumors but often do not provide long-term care for patients. Meanwhile, general practitioners lack the time and knowledge to address these issues comprehensively. This fragmentation is due to unstructured and discontinued services from diagnosis to recovery or palliative care.

The “Best Onco Care For Me” project enhances recovery for cancer patients and reduces chronic disability during and after treatment by empowering patients to participate in shared decision-making with their oncologists, general practitioners, dietitians, and familial caregivers in both hospitals and communities.

Supported by Danone Ecosystem, Nutricia and NFK co-created the project to drive and facilitate the implementation of patient empowerment and self-management on the ground. The project also aims to establish new roles for oncology nurses and general practitioners, and includes a Ministry of Health-accredited educational program for general practitioners, nurses, specialists, and dietitians.

The “Best Onco Care” project empowers healthcare professionals to engage in shared decision-making, guiding them towards a patient-outcome-focused approach. This initiative promotes a new method for better recovery and enhances patient empowerment and compliance with treatment.