PhD defence M.C. (Maarten) Dorr

Below is a brief summary of the dissertation: 

The use of outcome information improves both individual decision-making and the quality of care for patients with head and neck cancer. This dissertation highlights the importance of informed and shared decision-making, where patients often have to choose between survival and quality of life. The prognostic model OncologIQ, which provides personalized survival predictions, is investigated as a tool in this process. It proves to offer valuable information during both multidisciplinary discussions and patient-physician conversations, helping to reduce decision conflict. Additionally, the use of patient-reported outcome information, such as voice quality, is explored. Longitudinal analyses of voice quality after the treatment of laryngeal cancer emphasize the importance of individualized predictions. This led to the development of a predictive model that can support patients and healthcare professionals in managing expectations and making well-informed decisions.
Furthermore, the dissertation investigates how outcome information at the population level can contribute to quality improvement in healthcare. It examines methods and effects of using aggregated patient-reported outcomes. The literature indicates that these methods are still in development but hold significant potential for improving healthcare quality. The research also emphasizes the value of longitudinally collected data, particularly in palliative care, where this information provides unique insights for improving patient-centered care and education. The dissertation concludes that the systematic use of outcome information can improve both individual decision-making and healthcare quality at the population level.