PhD defence A.S. (Anouk) Huberts

Brief summary: 

Part I of this dissertation provides new insights regarding the importance of using PROs at the population level. Chapters 2,3, and 4 conclude that patients with breast cancer, rheumatic diseases or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) experience more sexual distress than Dutch norm population. It also appears that in the population of patients with breast cancer these concerns are not discussed as often as desired. 

Part II examines some preconditions for the use of PROs in the consultation room, such as a standard outcome set for patients with Diabetes, and validates the Self-administered Comorbidity Questionnaire in patients with IBD.  

Part III analyzes real-world PRO data from breast cancer patients over the past 7 years. It maps factors associated with deterioration in sexual health and cognition. This aims to better predict in the future which patients are at-risk for deterioration in these domains. 

The final part contributes valuable insights by investigating facilitaors and barries of adoption of PROs. 
In conclusion, the dissertation shows that PROs can effectively address abnormalities in patients' quality of life and should be further integrated into daily care. However, several challenges still exist in doing so. Future implementations should prioritize reducing the burden of both caregivers and patients. This can be done by standardizing outcomes and further deepening digitization and interoperability of data.