Looking at 2023 Key Trends and Insights to Navigate the Future of Value-Based Care
In the rapidly evolving landscape of patient care, the Journal of Clinical Pathways (JCP) aims to shed light on the key trends, emerging technologies, and transformative approaches that drive innovation. Throughout 2023, feature articles in JCP offered valuable insights into the most important and compelling topics in oncology and other disease areas, including medication spending, cell and gene therapy, the importance of real-world evidence, and predictive biomarker testing.
As I stated in my Editor’s Page from the November/December 2023 issue of JCP, the rapid growth of clinical pathways since 2015 underscores the importance of pathways as a tool for navigating value-based care in oncology and beyond. The research we published in 2023 highlights the overarching themes and predictions for the future of patient care, emphasizing personalized treatments, the significance of real-world evidence, and the imperative to address social determinants of health. As we move into 2024, collaboration, flexibility, and a patient-centered approach will continue to shape the landscape of value-based care.
The top 5 most-read articles JCP published in 2023 offer a comprehensive overview of diverse trends in oncology and other diseases from the past year:
1. Oncology Pathways Drive Adoption of High-Quality Treatment Regimens and Deliver Drug Cost Savings
This study by Kathryn Christensen, MS, et al delves into the ways oncology pathways promote the adoption of high-quality treatment protocols and can reshape patient outcomes. Focusing on the pragmatic aspects of enhancing efficiency, reducing variability, and improving the overall standard of cancer care, this study outlines the decision-making processes that guide health care providers toward better therapeutic choices for their patients.
Lavanya Raj, MBBS, MS, and Pam McManus provide an in-depth explanation of the impact of timing associated with the redirection of pegfilgrastim administration to home settings. This research offers insights into the practical implications of this approach by highlighting key aspects, evaluating its effect on patient outcomes and treatment effectiveness, and offering a nuanced perspective on the benefits and challenges.
This study by Rebecca Maniago, PharmD, BCOP, et al examines the feasibility and effectiveness of filling gaps in care by either crafting custom oncology pathways or leveraging established NCCN guidelines. The report outlines the practical considerations and implications surrounding pathway development by exploring the critical gaps in patient care and presents the complexities of customizing pathways vs relying on established guidelines.
The intersection of belief, research, and religious coping for African American patients is explored in this study by Marjorie E. Petty, PhD, MSN, et al, which details the impact of these factors on individuals’ willingness to participate in clinical trials. The report offers valuable insights into the factors that influence patient decisions, shedding light on the convergence of faith, research, and medical participation.
5. Post–COVID-19 Syndrome Clinical Pathway for the US Veterans Health Administration
Claudia L. Campos, MD, et al describe the clinical pathway implemented by the US Department of Veterans Health Affairs for managing post–COVID-19 syndrome. The authors emphasize how using an adaptable clinical pathway that can be updated to accommodate new evidence is key to delivering standardized post-recovery care that addresses the unique considerations of caring for veterans, including integrating teleconsultation and telerehabilitation.
