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Health Economics Evaluation

This work-stream involves linking and analysing comprehensive data on primary and secondary care records and patient experience. This is to gain greater insight into the economic burden of cancer across initial diagnosis & treatment of cancer, and for cancer survivors over the longer term.

We will follow on from the main project’s task of solving the legal, ethical and technical difficulties associated with safely and securely linking patients’ data. We hope to show what great work can be done when GP and hospital data talk to each other. Take a look below at the benefits of this work-stream’s activities.

Why?

We will gain a better view of the long term costs of caring for cancer patients. This will include those costs incurred across different sectors of the NHS and beyond initial cancer treatment. An improved understanding of these costs will support policymakers in:

  • Achieving the best value for money across different services;
  • Devising better pathways of care.

How?

We will be linking up to a decade’s worth of data for each patient using the multiple data sources shown below. We will compare patients who have had a cancer diagnosis with comparable patients who have not had a cancer diagnosis.

GP records, including consultations and prescriptions.
Hospital records that include the treatments received and attendances as an inpatient, outpatient and via accident and emergency services.
Patient questionnaires, including information on costs of hospice care, travel to hospital, informal care and time taken off work.

Who we are

Prof. Chris Bojke

Dr Adam Martin

Publications

We intend to publish our methods and findings in academic journals as the project progresses.

Martin A, Hall PS. Accurate Measurement of Financial Toxicity Is a Prerequisite to Finding a Remedy. Breast Care. 2017; 12 (2):78-80. DOI 10.1159/000475656