Patient involvement in oncology is becoming increasingly important – both in direct care and in scientific research. The active involvement of patients is intended to improve treatment processes, tailor therapies more individually and implement research results in a more practice-oriented manner.
- In care:
At the individual level, patient participation means that patients are actively involved in decision-making processes. The respective life circumstances, values and preferences of those affected play a central role here. In addition, the inclusion of patient experiences often also leads to innovative approaches to care at a higher level, such as individual concepts or customized support services. - In scientific research:
Science also benefits significantly from the involvement of patients. In clinical studies and research projects, patients are increasingly seen as partners on an equal footing who, as part of an interdisciplinary team, provide an additional perspective. With the launch of the nationally rolled-out One NCT in February 2023, patients will be included as research partners in a structured and permanent way for the first time in Germany. The NCT Patient Expert Academy (NCT PEAK) provides a training program that is easy for laypeople to understand.
The additional perspective of patients can help to identify relevant endpoints, increase the feasibility and attractiveness of studies, and achieve more patient-relevant results.
The early and more intensive involvement of patients contributes to personalized oncology in which care and research work together in close collaboration to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes.
Patient Advisory Board
The NCT Heidelberg Patient Advisory Board develops measures to improve and further develop patient care and brings the interests and experiences of people with cancer into the structures of the NCT Heidelberg.
Contact:
Anne Müller
Coordination Patient Advisory Board Heidelberg
Phone: 06221 56-32835
Mail: anne.mueller(at)med.uni-heidelberg.de
Patient Research Council
The NCT Heidelberg Patient Research Council supports researchers and physicians in developing clinical studies at the NCT to make them better from a patient's perspective. It represents the patient perspective in NCT decision-making bodies and working groups.
Contakct:
Monika Huber
Coordination Patient Research Council NCT Heidelberg
Phone: 06221 56-38229
Mail: monika.huber(at)nct-heidelberg.de
Milestones in Patient Involvement
2012:
NCT Heidelberg was recognized for the first time as a self-help-friendly hospital. The NCT Heidelberg has now received this title for the fifth time.
2015:
Establishment of the patient advisory board: it develops measures to improve patient care and contributes personal experiences to NCT Heidelberg projects.
2017:
Start of the NCT Guide Program. The NCT Guide Program was founded with the support of the patient advisory board and helps patients find their way through the building and the neighboring clinics.
2023:
Expansion of the NCT to six sites. As part of the One NCT initiative, patients must be involved as research partners in order to achieve patient-oriented research. The One NCT drives research and implementation of faster and fairer access to studies and innovations.
2023:
Establishment of the Patient Research Council NCT Heidelberg to provide structured support for researchers and physicians in the development of clinical studies. The aim is to make the studies better and more relevant from the patient's perspective.