Homecare implementation in oncology: One year on and still not fully realised

Since July 1, 2023, certain patients have been able to receive care at home that was previously only available in the hospital. One year after the introduction of a new legal and financial framework for homecare, the full implementation of this transformative approach is still pending. Despite its potential to bring significant value to patients, hospitals, and the industry, currently the uptake in oncology at home is not fully there yet. Collaboration and concerted efforts are essential to expedite the implementation of homecare.

Homecare benefits to all

There is a significant difference between coming to the hospital every few weeks and receiving an injection at home. Embracing home administration enables patients to receive treatment in the comfort of their own homes, significantly improving their quality of life. It eliminates the need for frequent travel to the hospital, reducing the burden and costs associated with hospital visits.

Implementing homecare programs can free up valuable day clinic capacity, allowing hospitals to allocate resources to other vital therapies. This increased efficiency and capacity can support the provision of more complex treatments, ensuring optimal care for patients.

Why is Roche committed to homecare? First, improved treatment adherence and compliance are more likely to be achieved when patients receive treatment in their familiar surroundings. Additionally, the increased access to subcutaneous (SC) and oral treatments expands treatment options at home and supports innovation within the industry. Home care enables data sharing and monitoring between different caregivers and patients which leads to data-driven health care.

Slow Adoption

Despite the advantages of homecare, only a few hospitals have continued the pilot programs they had entered in before the introduction of the framework. Hospitals express caution due to uncertainties surrounding financial parity between hospital and home care, as well as practical concerns related to organizing and coordinating care.

"Most oncologists do not know where to start when organizing home hospitalization, which leads to a lack of drive. It is logical that a small center does not see the benefit of designing this complex procedure, especially for a small number of patients. However, that changes when a tested procedure is readily available and easy to implement. Many issues have already been resolved, such as waste disposal or transportation of the injection. To embark on this journey, as a physician, you must be willing to let go of control. You need to trust the home nursing professionals and the patients. But what I mainly see is that every patient who is given this opportunity is extremely enthusiastic." says Greet Huygh, Head of Medical Oncology at OLV Hospital Aalst, who initiated the home hospitalization journey to provide curative-treated patients with their treatment at home.

Roche is committed to making homecare a reality for patients, hospitals, and the industry. We will organise an event in the autumn to address practical questions and share good practices for hospitals interested in implementing homecare programs. Together, we can transform healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes. Stay tuned!