Patient perspectives on cost and quality measures in value-based cancer care

Introduction: Patient perspectives and preferences are important when establishing quality and cost metrics for value-based payment (VBP) models, to ensure patient-centered cancer care and VBP incentives are aligned. Methods: Insights were gathered about value-based care (VBC) models from patients with Medicare and one of 4 common cancers (multiple myeloma, bladder, lung, and prostate) included in Medicare's Enhancing Oncology Model. This study included 4 virtual 2-hour focus groups and a 2-hour co-creation session. Aspects of cost and quality important to cancer care were identified (value is defined as the ratio of quality/cost). Results: = 6) highlighted a lack of awareness about VBC and concerns about the effect of financial incentives on oncology care. Focus group participants identified shared decision-making and treatment effectiveness outcomes as the most important elements of quality. Co-creation participants highlighted a need for improved awareness about the implications of VBP incentives for oncology care decisions. Conclusion: In this exploratory qualitative research, patients with cancer expressed a need for transparency of VBC dynamics to help preserve the patient-physician relationship and their ability to receive innovative, affordable, and accessible care.