Using the analytic hierarchy process to elicit patient preference in the evaluation of first-line treatment of HER2-overexpressing metastatic breast cancer / Uso do processo analítico hierárquico para eleger a preferência do paciente na avaliação da primeira linha de tratamento do câncer de mama metastático her2 hiperexpresso

Abstract Background The many combinations of chemotherapeutic agents and biologicals available in the Brazilian National Health System for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer require analysis that contribute to decision making. Objective The study's primary aim was to evaluate the first-line treatment of HER2- overexpressing metastatic breast cancer from the Brazilian Unified Health System perspective using multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA). Method The treatment options evaluated were (a) pertuzumab combined with trastuzumab and docetaxel, and (b) trastuzumab in combination with docetaxel. Using the hierarchical analytical method, medical oncologists compared the relevance of five predefined criteria: overall survival, response to treatment, adverse events, cost- effectiveness, and budget impact. Results The therapeutic scheme considered more appropriate by the model was pertuzumab combined with trastuzumab and docetaxel. The most sensitive criteria were adverse events, cost-effectiveness, and budget impact. The results suggest that the classification has a close relationship with the perspective of healthcare professionals participating in the questionnaire. Conclusion Defining the treatment of an incurable disease associated with a short survival time and high-cost treatment options necessitates complex decision-making. MCDA allows the weighting of criteria and considering criteria that would be difficult to measure in other methods, such as cost-effectiveness. These aspects differ from economic models and contribute to a broader evaluation of health decision-making.

Resumo Introdução As diversas combinações de agentes quimioterápicos e biológicos disponíveis no Sistema Único de Saúde brasileiro para o tratamento do câncer de mama metastático requerem análises que contribuam para a tomada de decisões. Objetivo O objetivo principal deste estudo foi avaliar o tratamento de primeira linha para câncer de mama metastático HER2 hiperexpresso sob a perspectiva do Sistema Único de Saúde, utilizando a análise de decisão multicritérios (MCDA). Método As opções de tratamento avaliadas foram: (a) pertuzumabe em combinação com trastuzumabe e docetaxel, e (b) trastuzumabe em combinação com docetaxel. Usando o método analítico hierárquico, médicos oncologistas compararam a relevância dos cinco critérios predefinidos: sobrevida global, resposta ao tratamento, eventos adversos, custo-efetividade e impacto orçamentário. Resultados O esquema terapêutico considerado mais apropriado pelo modelo foi pertuzumabe em combinação com trastuzumabe e docetaxel. Os critérios mais sensíveis foram eventos adversos, custo-efetividade e impacto orçamentário. Os resultados sugerem que a classificação está associada à perspectiva do profissional de saúde participante do questionário. Conclusão Definir o tratamento de uma doença incurável associada a um tempo de sobrevida curto e opções de tratamento de alto custo requer uma tomada de decisão complexa. O MCDA permite ponderar e considerar critérios que seriam difíceis de medir em outros modelos de decisão. Esses aspectos contribuem para uma avaliação mais ampla da tomada de decisões em saúde.

Study on longitudinal integration of medical service resources considering patients' preference in tiered medical care system / 中国卫生政策研究

The hierarchical diagnosis and treatment system is an important measure for rational allocation of medical resources, promotion of equalization of basic medical services, improving the patients' disorderly medical treatment and guiding patients' hospital choice behavior. This paper defines the utility function of rational medical treatment of patients affected by multiple factors such as the personal disposable income,the age,the severity of the self-induced illness and the decision-makers' education level, and considered the outpatient price, service capacity and other factors of medical institutions. The present study constructed the incomplete information dynamic game model based on fictitious play method. It provided the quantitative analysis of the statistical data of Qinhuangdao and obtained the patients distribution in medical institution. The rationality of the model was verified by comparing the simulation with actual data,and showed the choice is more reasonable between the primary health care and general hospital. Therefore,the emphasis of optimizing the medical service resources in hierarchical diagnosis and treatment system is to establish the treatment system of integrated medical service for patients'on-demand and on-demand medi-cal services. At the same,various incentives should be used to enhance patients'enthusiasm for primary health care.

Preferência do paciente no rastreamento do câncer colorretal: uma comparação entre colonografia por tomografia computadorizada e colonoscopia / Patient preferences toward colon cancer screening: a comparison between computed tomography colonography and conventional colonoscopy

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o grau de aceitação do paciente submetido a colonografia por tomografia computadorizada (CTC) em comparação com a colonoscopia, quando realizadas para rastreamento de doença colorretal. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Cinquenta pacientes com suspeita de doença colorretal foram submetidos a CTC e colonoscopia. Questionários foram aplicados antes e após a realização da CTC e após a colonoscopia. Graduou-se o desconforto esperado e experimentado antes e após a realização da CTC e da colonoscopia, bem como a preferência do paciente por exame. RESULTADOS: Em relação à CTC, antes de iniciar o exame 18 por cento dos pacientes afirmaram esperar pouco desconforto, 78 por cento, desconforto moderado e 4 por cento, muito desconforto. Após a realização do exame, 72 por cento dos pacientes relataram pouco desconforto, 26 por cento, desconforto moderado e apenas um (2 por cento) dos pacientes referiu muito desconforto. Após a realização da colonoscopia, 86 por cento dos pacientes relataram preferência pela CTC. O grau de distensão colônica e a quantidade de fluido residual não influenciaram na preferência dos pacientes. CONCLUSÃO: Os pacientes preferiram a CTC à colonoscopia, não havendo relação estatística com o grau de distensão colônica na CTC e a eficiência do preparo intestinal.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the degree of acceptance of patients undergoing computed tomography colonography (CTC) in comparison with colonoscopy in the screening of colorectal disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty patients with suspected colorectal disease underwent CTC and colonoscopy. Questionnaires were administered before and after the performance of the CTC and after the colonoscopy. The discomfort expected and experienced before and after the performance of both procedures as well as the patients' preference for each method were evaluated. RESULTS: As regards CTC, before the procedure, 18 percent of the patients reported expecting little discomfort, 78 percent, mild discomfort, and 4 percent, a lot of discomfort. After the procedure, 72 percent of the patients reported little discomfort, 26 percent, mild discomfort, and only one (2 percent) of the patients reported a lot of discomfort. Upon completion of the colonoscopy, 86 percent of the patients reported their preference for CTC. The degree of colonic distention and residual amount of fluid had no influence on the patients' preference. CONCLUSION: CTC was preferred to colonoscopy, with no statistical relationship with the degree of colonic distention at CTC and efficiency of bowel preparation.