Finalist
POLARIS: Enhancing ALL Therapy Communication for HCPs, Patients and Carers
by Servier
Summary of work
Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), the most prevalent childhood cancer, affects ~30,000 children under 12, yearly worldwide. Although there is hope of a curative pathway in over 96% of cases, this is reached through complex, personalised treatments lasting 2–3 years. The individualised nature of these treatments renders reliable information scarce outside the clinical environment.
To help navigating this complicated journey, we partnered with HCPs, patients and caregivers, to develop a communication tool that HCPs can use to empower families with accurate, easy to understand medical knowledge about leukaemia treatment. This enables them to feel in control during the long and difficult treatment and ensures that families become part of the care team – which can be lifesaving in an acute illness like leukaemia. At the core of POLARIS is the explanation of the leukaemia treatment protocols in a simplified manner. The protocols are ‘translated’ into visual language through intuitive treatment roadmaps and personalised web-based support.
This enables families to track treatment in real time, and in their home language. POLARIS significantly improves engagement, understanding and adherence to treatment, as evidenced by our feedback while aligned with EFPIA and PAGB standards. It marks a crucial step towards a more patient-centred healthcare system.
Judges’ comments
POLARIS is a good solid project, with a well-tested approach. The partnership was clearly evidenced. The judges could see the collaboration and that it was insight driven.
