Otago University PhD student Hui Yee Yao is collaborating with Auckland-based medical oncologist Dr Catherine Han on a research project to provide insights on how New Zealanders diagnosed with breast cancer choose their treatments. Hui Yee is looking for survey participants now. Click here to learn more.
The study will examine the health-related quality of life of breast cancer patients as well as factors influencing the uptake of treatments, including trade-offs between benefits and side-effects, willingness to pay and willingness to wait.
The study involves a survey of New Zealand breast cancer patients, looking at the elements that influence patient decision-making, as well as patient preferences, needs and values. This information will provide an evidence-based framework for policy-makers, enabling a shift towards a more patient-centred approach within our health system. It also has the potential to inform Pharmac’s decisions on reimbursement of breast cancer treatments and pharmaceutical companies on the treatment outcomes most important to patients.
BCAC Chair Libby Burgess encourages anyone aged over 18, living in NZ who has been diagnosed with breast cancer to participate in this anonymous survey. “This survey will provide valuable insights into the trade-offs we make when choosing our treatment options. I’m hoping our policy-makers will take real notice of the results and follow the rest of the world in adapting our treatment pathways, both for early and advanced breast cancer, to being more patient-centred”, says Libby.
To learn more, click here. To participate in the survey, click here. All participants will go into a draw to win one of six $300 grocery vouchers.
