PhD defence M. (Mark) de Mol

Patient reported outcomes have an increasing role as an outcome parameter in studies with lung cancer patients. This thesis describes several studies that aim to stimulate the use of patient reported outcomes in both research and clinical practice. For instance, we demonstrate the valid and reliable application of the WHOQOL- BREF, a quality of life questionnaire, in patients with lung cancer. In another study performance status and depressive symptoms are related with an decreased (Health- Related) Quality of Life. Treatment of depressive symptoms and decreased performance status may improve Quality of Life. In this thesis studies with the CTSQ are also reported. De CTSQ is a questionnaire that describes patients’ expectations, feelings about side effects, and satisfaction with treatment. It is demonstrated that that the use of the CTSQ is reliable and valid in patients with lung cancer. The feelings about side effects domain of the CTSQ was most often associated with (Health-Related) Quality of Life. Furthermore, it seems that patients are mostly bothered by low-grade side effects. In addition, it is demonstrated that the satisfaction with therapy domain of the CTSQ has a strong relation with global Health Status/Quality of Life and psychological health. Lastly, the process of treatment decision making in patients with stage I and II lung cancer is also investigated. It was observed that 81% of the patients liked to make a treatment decision together with their physician and 74% found themselves to be insufficiently involved in this process.

The public defence will take place at the Senatehall, 1st floor of the Erasmus Building, Campus Woudestein. The ceremony will begin exactly at 11.30 hrs. In light of the solemn nature of the ceremony, we recommend that you do not take children under the age of 6 to the first part of the ceremony.