Optimizing implementation of patient-centered innovations: Learning from cancer care practice

Patient-centeredness is an important feature of consistent, high-quality health care and requires development and implementation of patient-centered innovations. Quick progress in these innovations without rigorous scientific evaluation may lead to new care standards without robust scientific evidence. In this thesis, the sustainable implementation of patient-centered innovations was addressed, by means of a critical assessment of such innovations in four empirical studies. The first two studies regarded decision-making: Shared decision-making in hematologic oncology and multidisciplinary oncology team decision-making. These studies contributed to a better understanding of decision-making in oncology, in turn contributing to a patient-centered decision-making process. The other two studies regarded electronic health (e-Health) innovations: A patient portal in hematologic oncology and a multimodality application for patients suffering from multiple myeloma. These studies provided deeper insight into empowering patients with hematologic cancer by using e-Health innovations. The studies in this thesis have been small steps to overcome implementation barriers on the path towards a partnership between patient and healthcare professionals.