The journey of lung cancer patients through the health care system in Bulgaria: Insights from patient-reported outcomes

In recent years, there has been a growing body of literature on how digital technologies enhance patient engagement through patient-reported outcomes (PROs). The evaluation of PROs related to patients’ experiences of diagnosis and treatment, as well as their interactions with health care professionals and the health care system, provides important insights into how digital solutions can improve patient experience and support higher-quality, patient-centered care and decision-making. We conducted an online survey using Referendo, a web-based platform for collecting patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and patient experience data. The main findings from the survey focus on the journey of lung cancer patients through the health care system in Bulgaria and assess various aspects of the patient experience, including the quality and effectiveness of medical and treatment services, as well as time to diagnosis, treatment, and drug safety. It also highlights the significance of communication and interaction with health care professionals, as well as the importance of social and psychological support for patients diagnosed with lung cancer. The results show that patients’ feedback is important not only for clinical decision-making but also for resource and service allocation. Patients want to talk about their disease, their health, their psychological status, and their experience. Patients need to talk about the impact of the disease on their social life and working environment. In conclusion, PROs are valuable tools that can enhance decision-making and optimize the patient’s journey through the health care system.