Table 2 Key assumptions underpinning the SROI model

Assumption 1:

Costs of supportive care inputs were calculated for face-to-face care delivery only. It was, however, acknowledged that some supportive care will be delivered via telehealth or via web-based resources in the applied scenarios. Face-to-face delivery of care requires the highest investment, and therefore using this approach means that SROI ratios and associated value generated are conservative.

Assumption 2:

Supportive care will be delivered over a five-year period throughout treatment cycles for lung cancer patients. The SROI analysis assumed that supportive care continues to be delivered to patients over a one- and five-year period alike. A minimum of supportive care inputs, delivered over one year was assumed, acknowledging that it is likely that supportive care inputs will be clustered around treatment cycles.

Assumption 3:

Maximum value is assumed for the healthcare system, patients and their families as a result of access to quality cancer supportive care. The SROI analysis was undertaken based on the assumption that all patients receive high quality supportive care. In other words, variation in care quality was not considered in the SROI. Based on this assumption, social value estimates represent maximum value generated from receipt of quality cancer supportive care. Further, it was assumed that patients have high supportive cancer care needs, therefore require comprehensive cancer supportive care.

Assumption 4:

Patients that experience a higher quality of life as a consequence of receiving quality supportive care, will engage in activities associated with better quality of life, such as physical activity. The SROI analysis assumed that patients that experience a higher quality of life will engage in activities like accessing gyms, sports and recreational facilities, and other social activities with friends and family. In this scenario, the total value of patient benefit is reduced due to the cost of engaging in these activities, and therefore is a more conservative estimate of the value generated to patients.

Assumption 5:

Patients live beyond the one- and five-year periods. The SROI analysis assumed that within each time-forecast, some patients survived beyond one and five years.