RSU presents results of project on patient-reported outcome measures in breast cancer patients

On 17 April 2026, the team behind the Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) project ‘Patient-reported outcome measures in breast cancer patients’ gathered at the RSU Anatomy Museum to present the project’s results, together with healthcare experts and health policymakers, and to discuss the role of PROMs (Patient-Reported Outcome Measures) in Latvia’s healthcare system.

The project’s cooperation partners – representatives from Pauls Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital and Longenesis – also participated in the event, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in the development of patient-centred care.

PROMs as a beneficial tool for patients and the healthcare system

The discussion focused on the added value of PROMs. Experts emphasised that patient-reported health and quality-of-life measures make a significant contribution to:

• patients – by fostering engagement and improving understanding of treatment, as well as enabling timely detection of symptoms;
• clinicians – by providing additional information for decision-making and early identification of risks;
• the healthcare system – by using evidence-based data for more efficient organisation of care.
   

Particular attention was paid to the value of PROMs data during treatment and in the early post-hospitalisation period, where such data can help identify complications, psychological risks or functional limitations in a timely manner. This is also essential for providing appropriate support, including helping to guide decisions by the State Medical Commission for the Assessment of Health Condition and Working Ability (VDEĀK) regarding the support to be provided.

From an individual measure to a national quality tool

Experts discussed the potential of PROMs to become a strategic quality tool in Latvia – not only in individual patient care, but also at the level of the healthcare system. The possibility of integrating PROMs as national quality indicators was considered, which could complement existing clinical and safety indicators. National-level quality indicators are defined by the Methodological Management Centre, which may begin developing PROMs as of 2027.

Digital solutions and future development

The discussions also addressed potential technical solutions for the implementation of PROMs in Latvia, ranging from hospital-level solutions to integration with the national digital platform.

This project marks a significant step towards improving healthcare quality in Latvia, with the patient’s voice becoming an integral part of decision-making and system development.