Multidisciplinary optimal treatment for people with lung cancer: stronger together!

We developed a practical, patient-centered care pathway for individuals with non-small cell lung cancer, emphasizing consistent treatment adherence, side effect management, and better coordination and collaboration between the pharmacy and general practitioners. Information materials were developed to provide patients with tailored guidance on the correct use of oral oncolytics. Stickers were created to be placed on medication boxes, allowing the patient, their caregiver, or home care provider to check the intake. There is now more (structural) attention for interactions between oral oncolytics and other medications, as well as supplements, herbs, and food. General practitioners are more actively informed about oral oncolytics to promote adherence and facilitate the recognition of side effects. Patients receive information about side effects, what actions to take, and the easy accessibility of nurses during office hours (and the doctor in case of emergencies). The parts of the care pathway that proved useful have been implemented at UMCG and can be used as ‘best practices’ by other oncology centers in the Netherlands.