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Scott AM, Harrington NG, Herman AA. Oncologists' Perceptions of Strategies for Discussing the Cost of Care with Cancer Patients and the Meaning of Those Conversations. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2024; 39:1343-1357. [PMID: 37190672 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2023.2212419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
To better understand what makes cost-of-care communication between oncologists and cancer patients more or less successful, we conducted in-depth interviews with 32 oncologists (22 male, 10 female) who were board-certified in medical, surgical, or radiation oncology. Through qualitative descriptive analysis by four coders, we found that oncologists used six broad strategies to discuss cost with patients: open discussion, avoidance, reassurance, warning, outsourcing, and educating. We also found that oncologists invoked certain meanings of cost conversations: cost conversations as holistic care, coercion, a matter of timing, risking patient suspicions, advocacy, unwanted distraction, transparency, bad news delivery, problem-solving, pointless, informed decision making, or irrelevant. These meanings appeared to be linked to oncologists enacting certain strategies (e.g., oncologists who invoked cost conversations as holistic care tended to enact open discussion, those who saw cost conversations as risky tended to use avoidance). Theoretically, our results suggest that the invoked meaning of a difficult conversation may be a key explanatory mechanism for differentiating high-quality from low-quality communication in cost conversations. Practically, our findings suggest that oncologists should consider how well the invoked meaning of the cost conversation is serving their own and their patients' goals.
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Vazquez SR, Yates NY, Beavers CJ, Triller DM, McFarland MM. Differences in quality of anticoagulation care delivery according to ethnoracial group in the United States: A scoping review. J Thromb Thrombolysis 2024:10.1007/s11239-024-02991-2. [PMID: 38733515 DOI: 10.1007/s11239-024-02991-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Anticoagulation therapy is standard for conditions like atrial fibrillation, venous thromboembolism, and valvular heart disease, yet it is unclear if there are ethnoracial disparities in its quality and delivery in the United States. For this scoping review, electronic databases were searched for publications between January 1, 2011 - March 30, 2022. Eligible studies included all study designs, any setting within the United States, patients prescribed anticoagulation for any indication, outcomes reported for ≥ 2 distinct ethnoracial groups. The following four research questions were explored: Do ethnoracial differences exist in 1) access to guideline-based anticoagulation therapy, 2) quality of anticoagulation therapy management, 3) clinical outcomes related to anticoagulation care, 4) humanistic/educational outcomes related to anticoagulation therapy. A total of 5374 studies were screened, 570 studies received full-text review, and 96 studies were analyzed. The largest mapped focus was patients' access to guideline-based anticoagulation therapy (88/96 articles, 91.7%). Seventy-eight articles made statistical outcomes comparisons among ethnoracial groups. Across all four research questions, 79 articles demonstrated favorable outcomes for White patients compared to non-White patients, 38 articles showed no difference between White and non-White groups, and 8 favored non-White groups (the total exceeds the 78 articles with statistical outcomes as many articles reported multiple outcomes). Disparities disadvantaging non-White patients were most pronounced in access to guideline-based anticoagulation therapy (43/66 articles analyzed) and quality of anticoagulation management (19/21 articles analyzed). Although treatment guidelines do not differentiate anticoagulant therapy by ethnoracial group, this scoping review found consistently favorable outcomes for White patients over non-White patients in the domains of access to anticoagulation therapy for guideline-based indications and quality of anticoagulation therapy management. No differences among groups were noted in clinical outcomes, and very few studies assessed humanistic or educational outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara R Vazquez
- University of Utah Health Thrombosis Service, 6056 Fashion Square Drive, Suite 1200, Murray, UT, 84107, USA.
| | - Naomi Y Yates
- Kaiser Permanente Clinical Pharmacy Services, 200 Crescent Center Pkwy, Tucker, GA, 30084, USA
| | - Craig J Beavers
- Anticoagulation Forum, Inc, 17 Lincoln Street, Suite 2B, Newton, MA, 02461, USA
- University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, 789 S Limestone, Lexington, KY, 40508, USA
| | - Darren M Triller
- Anticoagulation Forum, Inc, 17 Lincoln Street, Suite 2B, Newton, MA, 02461, USA
| | - Mary M McFarland
- University of Utah Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library, 10 N 1900 E, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
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Lee JS, Han S, Therrien NL, Park C, Luo F, Essien UR. Trends in Drug Spending of Oral Anticoagulants for Atrial Fibrillation, 2014-2021. Am J Prev Med 2024; 66:463-472. [PMID: 37866490 PMCID: PMC10922581 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2023.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study documents cost trends in oral anticoagulants (OAC) in patients with newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation. METHODS Using MarketScan databases, the mean annual patients' out-of-pocket costs, insurance payments, and the proportion of patients initiating OAC within 90 days from atrial fibrillation diagnosis were calculated from July 2014 to June 2021. Costs of OACs (apixaban, dabigatran, edoxaban, rivaroxaban, and warfarin) and the payments by three insurance types (commercial payers, Medicare, and Medicaid) were calculated. Patients' out-of-pocket costs and insurance payments were adjusted to 2021 prices. Joinpoint regression models were used to test trends of outcomes and average annual percent changes (AAPC) were reported. Data analyses were performed in 2022-2023. RESULTS From July 2014 to June 2021, the mean annual out-of-pocket costs of any OAC increased for commercial insurance (AAPC 3.0%) and Medicare (AAPC 5.1%) but decreased for Medicaid (AAPC -3.3%). The mean annual insurance payments for any OAC significantly increased for all insurance groups (AAPC 13.1% [95% CI 11.3-15.0] for Medicare; AAPC 11.8% [95% CI 8.0-15.6] for commercial insurance; and AAPC 16.3% [95% CI 11.3-21.4] for Medicaid). The initiation of any OAC increased (AAPC 7.3% for commercial insurance; AAPC 10.2% for Medicare; AAPC 5.3% for Medicaid). CONCLUSIONS There was a substantial increase in the overall cost burden of OACs and OAC initiation rates in patients with newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation in 2014-2021; these findings provide insights into the current and anticipated impact of rising drug prices on patients' and payers' financial burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Soo Lee
- Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.
| | - Sola Han
- Health Outcomes Division, The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy, Austin, Texas
| | - Nicole L Therrien
- Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Chanhyun Park
- Health Outcomes Division, The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy, Austin, Texas
| | - Feijun Luo
- Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Utibe R Essien
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, California; Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation & Policy, Greater Los Angeles VA Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California
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Zhang Q, Wang R, Chen L, Chen W. Effect of China national centralized drug procurement policy on anticoagulation selection and hemorrhage events in patients with AF in Suining. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1365142. [PMID: 38444941 PMCID: PMC10912648 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1365142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Launched in March 2019, the National Centralized Drug Procurement (NCDP) initiative aimed to optimize the drug utilization framework in public healthcare facilities. Following the integration of Non-Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants (NOACs) into the procurement catalog, healthcare establishments in Suining swiftly transitioned to the widespread adoption of NOACs, beginning 1 March 2020. Objective: This study aims to comprehensively assess the impact of the NCDP policy on the efficacy of anticoagulation therapy, patient medication adherence, and the incidence of hemorrhagic events in individuals with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) residing in Suining. The analysis seeks to elucidate the broader impacts of the NCDP policy on this patient demographic. Methods: This study analyzed patient hospitalization records from the Department of Cardiology at Suining County People's Hospital, spanning 1 January 2017, to 30 June 2022. The dataset included demographic details (age, sex), type of health insurance, year of admission, hospitalization expenses, and comprehensive information on anticoagulant therapy utilization. The CHA2DS2-VASc scoring system, an established risk assessment tool, was used to evaluate stroke risk in NVAF patients. Patients with a CHA2DS2-VASc score of 2 or higher were categorized as high-risk, while those with scores below 2 were considered medium or low-risk. Results: 1. Treatment Cost Analysis: The study included 3,986 patients diagnosed with NVAF. Following the implementation of the NCDP policy, a significant increase in the average treatment cost for hospitalized patients was observed, rising from 8,900.57 ± 9,023.02 CNY to 9,829.99 ± 10,886.87 CNY (p < 0.001). 2. Oral Anticoagulant Utilization: Overall, oral anticoagulant use increased from 40.02% to 61.33% post-NCDP (p < 0.001). Specifically, NOAC utilization among patients dramatically rose from 15.41% to 90.99% (p < 0.001). 3. Hemorrhagic Events: There was a significant decrease in hemorrhagic events following the NCDP policy, from 1.88% to 0.66% (p = 0.01). Hypertension [OR = 1.979, 95% CI (1.132, 3.462), p = 0.017], history of stroke [OR = 1.375, 95% CI (1.023, 1.847), p = 0.035], age ≥65 years [OR = 0.339, 95% CI (0.188, 0.612), p < 0.001], combination therapy of anticoagulants and antiplatelets [OR = 3.620, 95% CI (1.752, 7.480), p < 0.001], hepatic and renal insufficiency [OR = 4.294, 95% CI (2.28, 8.084), p < 0.001], and the NCDP policy [OR = 0.295, 95% CI (0.115, 0.753), p = 0.011] are significant risk factors for bleeding in patients with atrial fibrillation. 4. Re-hospitalization and Anticoagulant Use: Among the 219 patients requiring re-hospitalization, there was a notable increase in anticoagulant usage post-NCDP, from 36.07% to 59.82% (p < 0.001). NOACs, in particular, saw a substantial rise in usage among these patients, from 11.39% to 80.92% (p < 0.001). 5. Anticoagulant Type Change: The NCDP policy [OR = 28.223, 95% CI (13.148, 60.585), p < 0.001] and bleeding events [OR = 27.772, 95% CI (3.213, 240.026), p = 0.003] were significant factors influencing the alteration of anticoagulant medications in patients. Conclusion: The NCDP policy has markedly improved anticoagulation management in patients with AF. This policy has played a crucial role in enhancing medication adherence and significantly reducing the incidence of hemorrhagic events among these patients. Additionally, the NCDP policy has proven to be a key factor in guiding the selection and modification of anticoagulant therapies in the AF patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- Suining County People’s Hospital, Suining, China
| | - Ruili Wang
- Suining County People’s Hospital, Suining, China
| | - Lei Chen
- The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wensu Chen
- Suining County People’s Hospital, Suining, China
- The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
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Mann HK, Streiff M, Schultz KC, Halpern DV, Ferry D, Johnson AE, Magnani JW. Rurality and Atrial Fibrillation: Patient Perceptions of Barriers and Facilitators to Care. J Am Heart Assoc 2023; 12:e031152. [PMID: 37889198 PMCID: PMC10727401 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.123.031152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Background Patients experience atrial fibrillation (AF) as a complex disease given its adversity, chronicity, and necessity for long-term treatments. Few studies have examined the experience of rural individuals with AF. We conducted qualitative assessments of patients with AF residing in rural, western Pennsylvania to identify barriers and facilitators to care. Methods and Results We conducted 8 semistructured virtual focus groups with 42 individuals living in rural western Pennsylvania using contextually tailored questions to assess participant perspectives. We inductively analyzed focus group transcripts using paragraph-by-paragraph and focused coding to identify themes with the qualitative description approach. We used Krippendorff α scoring to determine interreviewer reliability. We harnessed investigator triangulation to augment the reliability of our findings. We reached thematic saturation after coding 8 focus groups. Participants were 52.4% women, with a median age of 70.9 years (range, 54.5-82.0 years), and most were White race (92.9%). Participants identified medication costliness, invisibility of AF to others, and lack of emergent transportation as barriers to care. Participants described interpersonal support and use of technology as important for AF self-care, and expressed ambivalence about how relationships with health care providers affected AF care. Conclusions Focus group participants described multiple social and structural barriers to care for AF. Our findings highlight the complexity of the experience of individuals with AF residing in rural western Pennsylvania. Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT04076020.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Meg Streiff
- University Center for Social and Urban ResearchUniversity of PittsburghPA
| | - Kevan C. Schultz
- University Center for Social and Urban ResearchUniversity of PittsburghPA
| | - David V. Halpern
- University Center for Social and Urban ResearchUniversity of PittsburghPA
| | - Danielle Ferry
- Center for Research on Health Care, Department of MedicineUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPA
| | - Amber E. Johnson
- Department of MedicineUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPA
| | - Jared W. Magnani
- Center for Research on Health Care, Department of MedicineUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPA
- Department of MedicineUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPA
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Garcia-Bautista A, Kamath C, Ayala N, Behnken E, Giblon RE, Gravholt D, Hernández-Leal MJ, Hidalgo J, Leon Garcia M, Golembiewski EH, Maraboto A, Sivly A, Brito JP. Financial Toxicity in the Clinical Encounter: A Paired Survey of Patient and Clinician Perceptions. Mayo Clin Proc Innov Qual Outcomes 2023; 7:248-255. [PMID: 37359420 PMCID: PMC10285501 DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocpiqo.2023.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To compare the agreement between patient and clinician perceptions of care-related financial issues. Patients and Methods We surveyed patient-clinician dyads immediately after an outpatient medical encounter between September 2019 and May 2021. They were asked to separately rate (1-10) patient's level of difficulty in paying medical bills and the importance of discussing cost issues with that patient during clinical encounters. We calculated agreement between patient-clinician ratings using the intraclass correlation coefficient and used random effects regression models to identify patient predictors of paired score differences in difficulty and importance of ratings. Results 58 pairs of patients (n=58) and clinicians (n=40) completed the survey. Patient-clinician agreement was poor for both measures, but higher for difficulty in paying medical bills (intraclass correlation coefficient=0.375; 95% CI, 0.13-0.57) than for the importance of discussing cost (-0.051; 95% CI, -0.31 to 0.21). Agreement on difficulty in paying medical bills was not lower in encounters with conversations about the cost of care. In adjusted models, poor patient-clinician agreement on difficulty in paying medical bills was associated with lower patient socioeconomic status and education level, whereas poor agreement on patient-perceived importance of discussing cost was significant for patients who were White, married, reported 1 or more long-term conditions, and had higher education and income levels. Conclusion Even in encounters where cost conversations occurred, there was poor patient-clinician agreement on ratings of the patient's difficulty in paying medical bills and perceived importance of discussing cost issues. Clinicians need more training and support in detecting the level of financial burden and tailoring cost conversations to the needs of individual patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Garcia-Bautista
- Department of Medicine, Knowledge and Evaluation Research Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Celia Kamath
- Robert D and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Nicolas Ayala
- Department of Medicine, Knowledge and Evaluation Research Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Emma Behnken
- Department of Medicine, Knowledge and Evaluation Research Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Rachel E Giblon
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Derek Gravholt
- Department of Medicine, Knowledge and Evaluation Research Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - María José Hernández-Leal
- Department of Community, Maternity and Pediatric Nursing, School of Nursing, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Medical Sciences, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
- Millenium Nucleus of Sociomedicine (Sociomed), Santiago, Chile
| | - Jessica Hidalgo
- Department of Medicine, Knowledge and Evaluation Research Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Montserrat Leon Garcia
- Department of Medicine, Knowledge and Evaluation Research Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
- Iberoamerican Cocharane Center, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Andrea Maraboto
- Department of Medicine, Knowledge and Evaluation Research Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Angela Sivly
- Department of Medicine, Knowledge and Evaluation Research Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Juan P Brito
- Department of Medicine, Knowledge and Evaluation Research Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
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Martinez KA, Linfield DT, Shaker V, Rothberg MB. Informed Decision Making for Anticoagulation Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation. Med Decis Making 2023; 43:263-269. [PMID: 36059267 PMCID: PMC9825626 DOI: 10.1177/0272989x221121350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) must decide between warfarin and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), a decision involving important tradeoffs. Our objective was to understand whether physicians engage patients in informed decision making for anticoagulants. DESIGN We performed an analysis of recorded conversations between physicians and anticoagulation-naïve patients in the Verilogue Point-of-Practice database. We assessed the presence of 7 elements of informed decision making, as well as a discussion of financial costs. RESULTS Of 37 encounters with 21 physicians, 92% resulted in a DOAC prescription and 8% resulted in a warfarin prescription. Seventy percent met criteria for discussion of pros and cons, 70% for discussion of the alternatives, 43% presented the decision, 30% included an assessment of patient understanding, 22% included an explanation of the patient's role in decision making, 22% included an assessment of patient preferences, and 19% included a discussion of uncertainty. Two encounters (5%) included all 7 elements and 9 (24%) included none. Physicians discussed treatment costs with patients in 43% of encounters. LIMITATIONS We assessed informed decision making in a single encounter. Physicians and patients may have had other discussions that were not captured in our data. CONCLUSIONS Physicians often presented the alternatives but did not generally engage patients in informed decision making. The high rate of DOAC prescriptions is likely the result of physician preferences, as patient preferences were rarely assessed. IMPLICATIONS Strategies to support physicians in engaging patients in informed decision making for anticoagulation are needed. HIGHLIGHTS While physicians discussed the alternatives and presented pros and cons with patients, they rarely assessed patient preferences, explained the patient's role in decision making, or addressed uncertainty.The cost of treatment with DOACs versus warfarin was discussed by physicians in less than half of encounters, limiting patients' ability to make informed decisions for anticoagulation.Only 2 encounters (5%) fulfilled all 7 elements of informed decision making.
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Martinez KA, Hurwitz HM, Rothberg MB. Qualitative Analysis of Patient-Physician Discussions Regarding Anticoagulation for Atrial Fibrillation. JAMA Intern Med 2022; 182:1260-1266. [PMID: 36315125 PMCID: PMC9623476 DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2022.4918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Importance For patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), the decision to initiate anticoagulation involves the choice between warfarin or a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC). How physicians engage patients in this decision is unknown. Objective To describe the content of discussions between patients with AF and physicians regarding choice of anticoagulation. Design, Setting, and Participants This qualitative content analysis included clinical encounters between physicians and anticoagulation-naive patients discussing anticoagulation initiation between 2014 and 2020. Main Outcomes and Measures Themes identified through content analysis. Results Of 37 encounters, almost all (34 [92%]) resulted in a prescription for a DOAC. Most (25 [68%]) patients were White; 15 (41%) were female and 22 (59%) were male; and 24 (65%) were aged 65 to 84 years. Twenty-one physicians conducted the included encounters, the majority of whom were cardiologists (14 [67%]) and male (19 [90%]). The analysis revealed 4 major categories and associated subcategories of themes associated with physician discussion of anticoagulation with anticoagulation-naive patients: (1) benefit vs risk of taking anticoagulation-in many cases, this involved an imbalance in completeness of discussion of stroke vs bleeding risk, and physicians often used emotional language; (2) tradeoffs between warfarin and DOACs-physicians typically discussed pros and cons, used persuasive language, and provided mixed signals, telling patients that warfarin and DOACs were basically equivalent, while simultaneously saying warfarin is rat poison; (3) medication costs-physicians often attempted to address patients' questions about out-of-pocket costs but were unable to provide concrete answers, and they often provided free samples or coupons; and (4) DOACs in television commercials-physicians used direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical advertising about DOACs to orient patients to the issue of anticoagulation as well as the advantages of DOACs over warfarin. Patients and physicians also discussed class action lawsuits for DOACs that patients had seen on television. Conclusions and Relevance This qualitative analysis of anticoagulation discussions between physicians and patients during clinical encounters found that physicians engaged in persuasive communication to convince patients to accept anticoagulation with a DOAC, yet they were unable to address questions regarding medication costs. For patients who are ultimately unable to afford DOACs, this may lead to unnecessary financial burden or abandoning prescriptions at the pharmacy, placing them at continued risk of stroke.
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Brown T, Apenteng BA, Opoku ST. Factors associated with cost conversations in oral health care settings. J Am Dent Assoc 2022; 153:829-838. [PMID: 35589435 DOI: 10.1016/j.adaj.2022.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patient-provider cost conversations can minimize cost-related barriers to health, while improving treatment adherence and patient satisfaction. The authors sought to identify factors associated with the occurrence of cost conversations in dentistry. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study using data from an online, self-administered survey of US adults who had seen a dentist within the past 24 months at the time of the survey. Multivariable hierarchical logistic regression analysis was used to identify patient and provider characteristics associated with the occurrence of cost conversations. RESULTS Of the 370 respondents, approximately two-thirds (68%) reported having a cost conversation with their dental provider during their last dental visit. Cost conversations were more likely for patients aged 25 through 34 years (odds ratio [OR], 2.84; 95% CI, 1.54 to 5.24), 35 through 44 years (OR, 3.35; 95% CI, 1.50 to 7.51), and 55 through 64 years (OR, 3.39; 95% CI, 1.38 to 8.28) than patients aged 18 through 24 years. Cost conversations were less likely to occur during visits with dental hygienists than during visits with general or family dentists (OR, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.11 to 0.58). In addition, respondents from the South (OR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.04 to 3.48) and those screened for financial hardship were more likely to report having cost conversations with their dental providers (OR, 6.70; 95% CI, 2.69 to 16.71). CONCLUSIONS Within the study sample, cost conversations were common and were facilitated via financial hardship screening. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS Modifying oral health care delivery processes to incorporate financial hardship screening may be an effective way to facilitate cost conversations and provision of patient-centered care.
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Espinoza Suarez NR, Urtecho M, LaVecchia CM, Fischer KM, Kamath CC, Brito JP. Impact of Cost Conversations During Clinical Encounters Aided by Shared Decision-Making Tools on Medication Adherence. Mayo Clin Proc Innov Qual Outcomes 2022; 6:320-326. [PMID: 35782878 PMCID: PMC9240368 DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocpiqo.2022.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nataly R. Espinoza Suarez
- Knowledge and Evaluation Research Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
- VITAM—Centre for Sustainable Health Research, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | | | | | - Karen M. Fischer
- Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Celia C. Kamath
- Knowledge and Evaluation Research Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
- Division of Health Care Delivery and Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
- Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Juan P. Brito
- Knowledge and Evaluation Research Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
- Correspondence: Address to Juan P. Brito, MBBS, Knowledge and Evaluation Research Unit, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55902.
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Richards OK, Iott BE, Toscos TR, Pater JA, Wagner SR, Veinot TC. "It's a mess sometimes": patient perspectives on provider responses to healthcare costs, and how informatics interventions can help support cost-sensitive care decisions. J Am Med Inform Assoc 2022; 29:1029-1039. [PMID: 35182148 PMCID: PMC9093030 DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocac010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We investigated patient experiences with medication- and test-related cost conversations with healthcare providers to identify their preferences for future informatics tools to facilitate cost-sensitive care decisions. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted 18 semistructured interviews with diverse patients (ages 24-81) in a Midwestern health system in the United States. We identified themes through 2 rounds of qualitative coding. RESULTS Patients believed their providers could help reduce medication-related costs but did not see how providers could influence test-related costs. Patients viewed cost conversations about medications as beneficial when providers could adjust medical recommendations or provide resources. However, cost conversations did not always occur when patients felt they were needed. Consequently, patients faced a "cascade of work" to address affordability challenges. To prevent this, collaborative informatics tools could facilitate cost conversations and shared decision-making by providing information about a patient's financial constraints, enabling comparisons of medication/testing options, and addressing transportation logistics to facilitate patient follow-through. DISCUSSION Like providers, patients want informatics tools that address patient out-of-pocket costs. They want to discuss healthcare costs to reduce the frequency of unaffordable costs and obtain proactive assistance. Informatics interventions could minimize the cascade of patient work through shared decision-making and preventative actions. Such tools might integrate information about efficacy, costs, and side effects to support decisions, present patient decision aids, facilitate coordination among healthcare units, and eventually improve patient outcomes. CONCLUSION To prevent a burdensome cascade of work for patients, informatics tools could be designed to support cost conversations and decisions between patients and providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia K Richards
- University of Michigan, School of Information, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Bradley E Iott
- University of Michigan, School of Information, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Tammy R Toscos
- Parkview Mirro Center for Research & Innovation, Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA
| | - Jessica A Pater
- Parkview Mirro Center for Research & Innovation, Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA
| | - Shauna R Wagner
- Parkview Mirro Center for Research & Innovation, Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA
| | - Tiffany C Veinot
- Corresponding Author: Tiffany C. Veinot, MLS, PhD, University of Michigan, 4314 North Quad, 105 S. State Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1285, USA;
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