Implementing value-based healthcare (VBHC) services requires the ability to assess and integrate evolution of patient-centered outcomes (PCO), clinical/epidemiological data and resource consumption. Aligned with Porter’s framework of value, the “Value of Healthcare Journey for Patients With Rare Diseases Project” (JAV-RARAS) was implemented to evaluate the value of the healthcare journey of patients with rare diseases (RD) in the Brazilian Public Healthcare System (SUS). The goal of this project is to identify the value (clinical outcomes and costs) associated with the management of RD in the SUS.

Patients diagnosed with eight pre-defined RD under active clinical follow-up in SUS medical centers were invited. Retrospective data on diagnosis and assistance carried out after diagnosis were collected from medical records. Prospective follow-up of one year will be collected through validated clinical questionnaires on three visits, with an average interval of 6 months. Clinical outcomes include exams and disease-specific features, quality of life, productivity loss, treatment adherence and satisfaction. Total cost of patient’s journey in each medical center will be assessed through Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing method. All data collection is being carried out through the Think Patient Value (TPValue®), a computerized management support system, based on Porter’s paradigm of value.

Thirty-five medical centers currently assisting patients with RD were enrolled, representing all macro-regions in Brazil: Midwest (n=4), North (n=5), Northeast (n=10), South (n=5) and Southeast (n=11). Recruitment started in March, and until November 2021, 28 centers had reported retrospective data of at least one RD. So far, JAV-RARAS recruited patients with osteogenesis imperfecta (number of patients=106), phenylketonuria (n=52), familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (n=32), classical homocystinuria (n=25), Prader–Willi syndrome (n=30), acromegaly (n=33), hereditary angioedema associated with C1 esterase-inhibitor deficiency (n=42) and mucopolysaccharidosis type-II (n=17).

Future results of JAV-Raras real-world evidence study will bring PCO and costs according to Porter’s Value, bringing insights for decision-makers in SUS. This study was funded by National Council for Scientific and Technological Development –CNPq and Ministry of Health of Brazil –MoH.