BEERSE, Belgium, April 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --
--- Addressing chronic diseases key to sustainable healthcare reform in Europe
Janssen Pharmaceutica NV (Janssen) has commissioned a new report based on independent research by The Swedish Institute of Health Economics[1] presented alongside the 2014 EU Summit on Chronic Diseases in Brussels today. The 'Access to high-quality oncology care across Europe' report, states that for some cancer types, a shift from what was once a deadly disease to a more chronic disease is underway.[1] In light of this, outcome measures such as patient quality of life are becoming more important and there is a greater focus on ongoing contribution into work and society - both because of what it means for the patient and for the economy in these times of austerity.[1] The report cited advances in treatment and the availability of high-quality cancer care as key drivers for improved survival rates and better patient outcomes over the long-term.[1]
The report reveals significant inequalities in access to cancer care across Europe and provides recommendations for breaking down barriers and improving access to quality cancer care. Based on a review of colorectal, lung and prostate cancer care in France, Germany, Poland and Sweden, the report identifies key areas for improving outcomes across the cancer patient pathway including primary prevention measures, diagnostics and treatment.
Although cancer treatment is commonly perceived to be one of the greatest financial drains on healthcare systems, the research uncovered that the introduction of newer and more effective cancer drugs does not actually increase total cancer-related direct costs, especially over the long-term.[1] Furthermore, more effective drugs actually lower medical costs through decreasing demand for other services, such as in-patient care and that cancer related indirect costs decrease due to increased survival and decreased mortality.[1] The research also showed that pharmaceutical expenditure as a total of health expenditures did not actually increase in any of the four countries between 2003 and 2011, calling into question the belief that pharmaceuticals are the main cost driver of increasing healthcare expenditures.[1]
Further to this, the report references the significant innovation that has been seen within cancer care specifically, over recent years. This refers not only to improved clinical outcomes through breakthrough treatments, but also what it means for the patients and their families in terms of earlier and more accurate diagnosis and enhanced quality of life, such as reduced hospital stays.
Bengt Jonsson, Department of Economics, Stockholm School of Economics, co-author and speaking today on the report, was quoted saying, "In the face of austerity cuts and rising healthcare expenditures, a more sustainable approach to cancer care is fundamental for better patient outcomes. Despite the value of new treatments, our research showed significant inequalities in access to cancer drugs across the four countries studied. France has the quickest and most extensive uptake of new cancer drugs followed by Germany, while here in Sweden we are falling behind Germany and France. Poland meanwhile, falls significantly behind all three."
Cancer is still the second leading cause of death in the EU and responsible for approximately 1.3 million of all 5 million deaths in the region per year.[2],[3] In addition, the 2.7 million[2] newly diagnosed cases per year show that the disease burden of cancer is still weighing heavily on societies in the EU. The European Commission has long recognised the burden of cancer, and the 'Access to high-quality oncology care across Europe' report is a pro-active step in helping to further explore current cancer care access challenges, and puts forward a recommended framework for the development of policies to establish a high and sustainable standard of oncology care across Europe.
"A multi-stakeholder and evidence-based policy dialogue is fundamental to achieving sustainable health system reform," said Jane Griffiths, Company Group Chairman, Janssen EMEA, also speaking today on the report. She continued, "Janssen takes pride in delivering innovation which can make a real difference to cancer patients. We are driven by our commitment to addressing areas of high unmet need and providing solutions that make a difference to patients' lives and benefit society."
The report concludes that the main challenge for health policy is to ensure equal access to the best possible care for all cancer patients. It goes on to say that efficiency in the use of resources will be key drivers in achieving this.
Six specific policy recommendations have been identified from the analysis:[1]
1) Cost-effective allocation of resources is pivotal for a more accessible
and sustainable oncology care system.
2) Improved funding and resourcing, for example the availability of high-quality
treatment facilities and the geographical spread of such facilities to encourage
patients to seek care.
3) Incentivisation of innovative research, including the design of reimbursement
systems, reward of innovations in cancer care, and the development of new payment
schemes.
4) A better integrated and organised cancer care system, to help avoid
bottlenecks and ensure timely management of patients.
5) Collation of data on resource use and outcomes to monitor standards and
regional differences, and to plan the allocation of resources.
6) More recognition of quality of life as an outcome measure for the individual
and society.
#ENDS#
Notes to Editors
Additional report information
Country strategies
- All countries included in the report adopted a national cancer plan during
the last decade.[1]
- All countries have cancer registries, but very different degrees of
completeness and scope. Sweden has the most comprehensive registries whereas France
monitors its cancer patients less thoroughly with a system of regional registries that
only covers around 20% of the population.[1]
- In all countries but Germany the whole or almost the whole population is
covered by public health insurance. Statutory Health Insurance Funds cover about 90%
of the population in Germany and the remaining part of the population has private
health insurance.[4]
Reimbursement
(CONTINUA)
