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Salsman JM, Nightingale CL, Canzona MR, Howard DS, Tucker-Seeley RD, Wiseman KD, Victorson DE, Robles JM, Roth M, Smith R, Reeve BB, Danhauer SC. Asking the "Right" Questions about Financial Hardship: Using Cognitive Interviews with Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer and Their Caregivers to Inform Measure Development. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2024. [PMID: 38959182 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2024.0041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Financial hardship as a result of cancer treatment can have a significant and lasting negative impact on adolescents and young adults (AYAs) and their families. To address a lack of developmentally informed and psychometrically sound measures of financial hardship for AYAs and their caregivers, we used rigorous measurement development methods recommended by the National Institutes of Health's Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System® (PROMIS®) to determine comprehensibility and relevance of measure content. Methods: Our multi-step approach involved item identification, refinement, and generation; translatability and reading level review; and cognitive interviews. A purposive sample of 25 AYAs and 10 caregivers participated, ensuring representation across age, education, gender, race/ethnicity, and cancer type. Results: Fifty patient-reported and caregiver-reported items were developed across material, psychosocial, and behavioral subdomains of financial hardship. Translatability and reading level reviews resulted in 22 patient-reported and 25 caregiver-reported items being rewritten. Eighty-eight percent of patients and all caregivers described the items as easy to answer. Younger AYAs (15 to 25 years of age) were more likely to say the items were less relevant for them. Forty-six patient-reported and 48 caregiver-reported items were recommended for further testing. Conclusion: This study is the first to use in-depth qualitative methods to center AYA patient and caregiver experiences in the creation of new measures of financial hardship. Data support the comprehensibility and content validity of these preliminary item banks. Future large-scale, quantitative testing will lead to additional refinements and support the use of short forms and computer-adaptive testing for a diverse sample of AYAs and their caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M Salsman
- Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina, USA
- The Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Winston Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Chandylen L Nightingale
- Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina, USA
- The Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Winston Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Mollie R Canzona
- Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina, USA
- The Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Winston Salem, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Communication, Wake Forest University, Winston Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Dianna S Howard
- Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Kimberly D Wiseman
- Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina, USA
- The Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Winston Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - David E Victorson
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Joanna M Robles
- The Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Winston Salem, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Michael Roth
- Division of Pediatrics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Regina Smith
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Bryce B Reeve
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Center for Health Measurement, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Suzanne C Danhauer
- Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina, USA
- The Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Winston Salem, North Carolina, USA
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Chan A, Ke Y, Tanay M, Dagsi M, Bergerot C, Dixit N, Eng L, Cardeña Gutiérrez A, Jiang C, Velázquez AI, Islami F, Soto-Perez-de-Celis E. Financial Toxicity in Cancer Supportive Care: An International Survey. JCO Glob Oncol 2024; 10:e2400043. [PMID: 38959449 DOI: 10.1200/go.24.00043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The study aims to explore unmet social needs and sources of financial toxicities in patients as noted by health care professionals and researchers in cancer supportive care, shedding light on potential health disparities. METHODS In this cross-sectional survey, we anonymously surveyed active members of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC). The survey, structured in three sections, included questions regarding the routine assessment of social needs during patient consultations, sociodemographic aspects, factors influencing financial toxicity (FT), perceived support for managing FT, and available/desirable resources. RESULTS A total of 218 MASCC members were included, predominantly from high-income countries (HIC, 73.4%), with many age 41-60 years (56.5%) and female (56.9%). Drug/treatment cost and insurance coverage were the main sources for FT among the HIC, whereas participants from low-middle-income countries (LMIC) considered transportation cost, loss of employment because of cancer diagnosis, and unavailability of return-to-work services as the top three sources of FT. Respondents from LMIC (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.01 [95% CI, 1.15 to 7.93]) and physicians (aOR, 2.67 [95% CI, 1.15 to 6.21]) were more likely to routinely assess financial coverages. Socioeconomic status was consistently ranked as one of the top three sources of financial toxicities by participants from LMIC (34%), HIC excluding the United States (38%), those who do not self-identify as racial/ethnic minority (36%), and physicians (40%). CONCLUSION This global survey of health care professionals and researchers in HIC and LMIC revealed varying approaches to assessing financial coverage and social needs. Socioeconomic status emerged as a consistent concern across countries, affecting financial toxicities. The study highlights the need for tailored approaches and improved resource visibility while emphasizing clinicians' pivotal role in addressing financial aspects of cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Chan
- School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA
| | - Yu Ke
- National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mary Tanay
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mary Dagsi
- School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA
| | | | - Niharika Dixit
- University of California, San Francisco/Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, CA
| | - Lawson Eng
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Department of Medicine, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Ana Cardeña Gutiérrez
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Nuestra Señora de Candelaria, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Changchuan Jiang
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Ana I Velázquez
- UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA
| | - Farhad Islami
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
| | - Enrique Soto-Perez-de-Celis
- Department of Geriatrics. Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Medicas y Nutricion Salvador Zubiran, Mexico City, Mexico
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Kumar A, Ragavan M, Velazquez AI, Zeng S, Wong ML. Receipt of financial assistance for oral targeted therapy among older adults with advanced non-small cell lung cancer: A prospective cohort study. J Geriatr Oncol 2024; 15:101746. [PMID: 38490915 PMCID: PMC11153012 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgo.2024.101746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Anika Kumar
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Meera Ragavan
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ana I Velazquez
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sandra Zeng
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Melisa L Wong
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, CA, USA.
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Berghuijs KMVT, Kaddas HK, Trujillo G, Rouhani G, Chevrier A, Ose J, Shibata D, Toriola AT, Figueiredo JC, Peoples AR, Li CI, Hardikar S, Siegel EM, Gigic B, Schneider M, Ulrich CM, Kirchhoff AC. Age-related differences in employment, insurance, and financial hardship among colorectal cancer patients: a report from the ColoCare Study. J Cancer Surviv 2024; 18:1075-1084. [PMID: 36949233 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-023-01362-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Employment and financial hardships are common issues for working-age colorectal cancer patients. We surveyed colorectal cancer survivors to investigate employment, insurance, and financial outcomes by age at diagnosis. METHODS Cross-sectional survey of six ColoCare Study sites regarding employment, insurance, and financial hardship outcomes. Eligible participants were 1 to 5 years from colorectal cancer diagnosis. Diagnosis age (18-49, 50-64, 65+ years) with outcomes of interest were compared using chi-square and t-tests. Multivariable logistic and Poisson regressions were fit to examine association of demographic factors with any material/psychological hardship (yes/no) and the count of hardships. RESULTS N = 202 participants completed the survey (age: 18-49 (n = 42, 20.8%), 50-64 (n = 79, 39.1%), 65+ (n = 81, 40.1%)). Most diagnosed age < 65 worked at diagnosis (18-49: 83%; 50-64: 64%; 65+ : 14%, p < 0.001) and continued working after diagnosis (18-49: 76%; 50-64: 59%; 65+ : 13%; p < 0.001). Participants age 18-49 reported cancer-related difficulties with mental (81.3%) and physical (89%) tasks at work more than those working in the older age groups (45%-61%). In regression models, among those reporting any hardship, the rates of material and psychological hardships were higher among those age 18-64 (Incidence Rate Ratios (IRR) range 1.5-2.3 vs. age 65+) and for those with < college (IRR range 1.3-1.6 vs. college +). CONCLUSIONS Younger colorectal cancer patients are more likely to work after a cancer diagnosis and during cancer treatment, but report higher levels of financial hardship than older patients. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Younger colorectal cancer patients may encounter financial hardship, thus may feel a need to work during and after treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Heydon K Kaddas
- Cancer Control and Population Sciences Research Program, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Gillian Trujillo
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Gazelle Rouhani
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Amy Chevrier
- Cancer Control and Population Sciences Research Program, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Jennifer Ose
- Cancer Control and Population Sciences Research Program, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - David Shibata
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Adetunji T Toriola
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jane C Figueiredo
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Anita R Peoples
- Cancer Control and Population Sciences Research Program, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | - Sheetal Hardikar
- Cancer Control and Population Sciences Research Program, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Erin M Siegel
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Biljana Gigic
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martin Schneider
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Cornelia M Ulrich
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Anne C Kirchhoff
- Cancer Control and Population Sciences Research Program, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Ghazal LV, Doran J, Bryant M, Zebrack B, Liang MI. Evaluation of a Conference on Cancer-Related Financial and Legal Issues: A Potential Resource to Counter Financial Toxicity. Curr Oncol 2024; 31:2817-2835. [PMID: 38785495 PMCID: PMC11119701 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol31050214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
This study describes the conception, development, and growth of the Triage Cancer Conference hosted by Triage Cancer, a national nonprofit organization providing free legal and financial education to the cancer community. We conducted a retrospective analysis of post-conference participant surveys. Descriptive statistics were calculated for participant demographics, and acceptability, feasibility, and appropriateness were evaluated. From 2016-2021, 1239 participants attended the conference and completed post-conference surveys. Participants included social workers (33%), nurses (30%), and cancer patients/survivors (21%), with representation from over 48 states. Among those who reported race, 16% were Black, and 7% were Hispanic. For acceptability, more than 90% of participants felt that the conference content, instructors, and format were suitable and useful. For feasibility, more than 90% of participants felt that the material was useful, with 93-96% reporting that they were likely to share the information and 98% reporting that they would attend another triage cancer event. Appropriateness was also high, with >80-90% reporting that the sessions met the pre-defined objectives. Triage Cancer fills an important gap in mitigating financial toxicity, and formal evaluation of these programs allows us to build evidence of the role and impact of these existing resources. Future research should focus on adding validated patient-reported outcomes, longer-term follow-up, and ensuring inclusion and evaluation of outcome metrics among vulnerable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren V. Ghazal
- School of Nursing, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
- Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Joanna Doran
- Triage Cancer, Chicago, IL 60646, USA; (J.D.); (M.B.)
| | - Monica Bryant
- Triage Cancer, Chicago, IL 60646, USA; (J.D.); (M.B.)
| | - Brad Zebrack
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
| | - Margaret I. Liang
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA;
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Ragavan MV, Swartz S, Clark M, Chino F. Pharmacy Assistance Programs for Oral Anticancer Drugs: A Narrative Review. JCO Oncol Pract 2024; 20:472-482. [PMID: 38241597 DOI: 10.1200/op.23.00295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Oral anticancer medications (OAMs) are high priced with a significant cost-sharing burden to patients, which can lead to catastrophic financial, psychosocial, and clinical repercussions. Cost-conscious prescribing and inclusion of low-cost alternatives can help mitigate this burden, but cost transparency at the point of prescribing remains a major barrier to doing so. Pharmacy assistance programs, including co-payment cards and patient assistance programs administered by manufacturers and foundation-based grants, remain an essential resource for patients facing prohibitive co-payments for OAMs. However, access to these programs is fraught with complexities, including lack of trained financial navigators, limited transparency on eligibility criteria, onerous documentation burdens, and limits in available funding. Despite these drawbacks and the potential for such programs to incentivize manufacturers to keep list prices high, assistance programs have been demonstrated to improve financial well-being for patients with cancer. The increasing development of integrated specialty pharmacies with dedicated, trained pharmacy staff can help improve and standardize access to such programs, but these services are disproportionately available to patients seen at tertiary care centers. Multistakeholder interventions are needed to mitigate the burden of cost sharing for OAMs, including increased clinician knowledge of financial resources and novel assistance mechanisms, investment of institutions in trained financial navigation services and centralized platforms to identify assistance programs, and policies to cap out-of-pocket spending and improve transparency of rates charged by pharmacy benefit managers to a health plan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meera V Ragavan
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA
| | - Scott Swartz
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Mackenzie Clark
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Fumiko Chino
- Affordability Working Group, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
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7
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Berlin NL, Albright BB, Moss HA, Offodile AC. Catastrophic health expenditures, insurance churn, and non-employment among women with breast cancer. JNCI Cancer Spectr 2024; 8:pkae006. [PMID: 38331405 PMCID: PMC11003299 DOI: 10.1093/jncics/pkae006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer treatment and survivorship entails a complex and expensive continuum of subspecialty care. Our objectives were to assess catastrophic health expenditures, insurance churn, and non-employment among women younger than 65 years who reported a diagnosis of breast cancer. We also evaluated changes in these outcomes related to implementation of the Affordable Care Act. METHODS The data source for this study was the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (2005-2019), which is a national annual cross-sectional survey of families, providers, and insurers in the United States. To assess the impact of breast cancer, comparisons were made with a matched cohort of women without cancer. We estimated predicted marginal probabilities to quantify the effects of covariates in models for catastrophic health expenditures, insurance churn, and non-employment. RESULTS We identified 1490 respondents younger than 65 years who received care related to breast cancer during the study period, representing a weight-adjusted annual mean of 1 062 129 patients. Approximately 31.8% of women with breast cancer reported health expenditures in excess of 10% of their annual income. In models, the proportion of women with breast cancer who experienced catastrophic health expenditures and non-employment was inversely related to increasing income. During Affordable Care Act implementation, mean number of months of uninsurance decreased and expenditures increased among breast cancer patients. CONCLUSIONS Our study underscores the impact of breast cancer on financial security and opportunities for patients and their families. A multilevel understanding of these issues is needed to design effective and equitable strategies to improve quality of life and survivorship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas L Berlin
- Section of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Benjamin B Albright
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Haley A Moss
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Anaeze C Offodile
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
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Ragavan MV, Swartz S, Clark M, Lo M, Gupta A, Chino F, Lin TK. Access to Financial Assistance Programs and Their Impact on Overall Spending on Oral Anticancer Medications at an Integrated Specialty Pharmacy. JCO Oncol Pract 2024; 20:291-299. [PMID: 38175987 DOI: 10.1200/op.23.00446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Financial assistance (FA) programs are increasingly used to help patients afford oral anticancer medications (OAMs), but access to such programs and their impact on out-of-pocket (OOP) spending has not been well explored. This study aimed to (1) characterize the impact of receipt of FA on both OOP spending and likelihood of catastrophic spending on OAMs and (2) evaluate racial/ethnic disparities in access to FA programs. METHODS Patients with a cancer diagnosis prescribed an OAM anytime between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2021 were included in this retrospective, single-center study at an integrated specialty pharmacy affiliated with a tertiary academic cancer center. Fixed-effect regression models were used to characterize the impact of receipt of FA on overall spending and likelihood of catastrophic spending on OAMs, as well as explore the association of race/ethnicity with receipt of FA. RESULTS Across 1,186 patients prescribed an OAM, 37% received FA. Receipt of FA was associated with lower annual spending on OAMs (β = -$1,236 US dollars [USD; 95% CI, -$1,841 to -$658], P < .001) but not reduced risk of catastrophic spending (odds ratio [OR], 0.442 [95% CI, 0.755 to 3.199], P = .23). Non-White patients (OR, 0.60 [95% CI, 0.43 to 0.85], P = .004) and patients who spoke English as a second language (OR, 0.46 [95% CI, 0.23 to 0.90], P = .02) were less likely to receive FA compared with White and English-speaking patients, respectively. CONCLUSION FA programs can mitigate high OOP spending but not for patients who spend at catastrophic levels. There are racial/ethnic and language disparities in access to such programs. Future studies should evaluate access to FA programs across diverse delivery settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meera V Ragavan
- University of California, San Francisco, Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, San Francisco, CA
| | - Scott Swartz
- University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA
| | - Mackenzie Clark
- University of California, San Francisco, School of Pharmacy, San Francisco, CA
| | - Mimi Lo
- University of California, San Francisco, School of Pharmacy, San Francisco, CA
| | - Arjun Gupta
- University of Minnesota, Department of Internal Medicine, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Fumiko Chino
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, New York, NY
| | - Tracy Kuo Lin
- University of California, San Francisco, Institute for Health and Aging, School of Nursing, San Francisco, CA
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Shah SA, Zhang Y, Correa AM, Hijaz BA, Yang AZ, Fayanju OM, Cerullo M. Rates of price disclosure associated with the surgical treatment of early-stage breast cancer one year after implementation of federal regulations. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2024; 203:397-406. [PMID: 37851289 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-023-07160-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Mastectomy, breast reconstruction (BR) and breast conserving therapy (BCT) are core components of the treatment paradigm for early-stage disease but are differentially associated with significant financial burdens. Given recent price transparency regulations, we sought to characterize rates of disclosure for breast cancer-related surgery, including mastectomy, BCT, and BR (oncoplastic reconstruction, implant, pedicled flap and free flap) and identify associated factors. METHODS For this cross-sectional analysis, cost reports were obtained from the Turquoise Health price transparency platform for all U.S. hospitals meeting national accreditation standards for breast cancer care. The Healthcare Cost Report Information System was used to collect facility-specific data. Addresses were geocoded to identify hospital referral and census regions while data from CMS was also used to identify the geographic practice cost index. We leveraged a Poisson regression model and relevant Medicare billing codes to analyze factors associated with price disclosure and the availability of an OOP price estimator. RESULTS Of 447 identified hospitals, 221 (49.4%) disclosed prices for mastectomy and 188 42.1%) disclosed prices for both mastectomy and some form of reconstruction including oncoplastic reduction (n = 184, 97.9%), implants (n = 187, 99.5%), pedicled flaps (n = 89, 47.3%), and free flaps (n = 81, 43.1%). Non-profit status and increased market competition were associated with price nondisclosure. 121 hospitals (27.1%) had an out-of-pocket price estimator that included at least one breast surgery. CONCLUSIONS Most eligible hospitals did not disclose prices for breast cancer surgery. Distinct hospital characteristics were associated with price disclosure. Breast cancer patients face persistent difficulty in accessing costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivani A Shah
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Yuqi Zhang
- Duke National Clinician Scholar Program, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Surgery, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Arlene M Correa
- Department of Health Services Research, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | | | | | - Marcelo Cerullo
- Duke National Clinician Scholar Program, Durham, NC, USA.
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Hospital, Durham, NC, USA.
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Lam AB, Moore V, Nipp RD. Care Delivery Interventions for Individuals with Cancer: A Literature Review and Focus on Gastrointestinal Malignancies. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 12:30. [PMID: 38200936 PMCID: PMC10779432 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12010030] [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] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal malignancies represent a particularly challenging condition, often requiring a multidisciplinary approach to management in order to meet the unique needs of these individuals and their caregivers. PURPOSE In this literature review, we sought to describe care delivery interventions that strive to improve the quality of life and care for patients with a focus on gastrointestinal malignancies. CONCLUSION We highlight patient-centered care delivery interventions, including patient-reported outcomes, hospital-at-home interventions, and other models of care for individuals with cancer. By demonstrating the relevance and utility of these different care models for patients with gastrointestinal malignancies, we hope to highlight the importance of developing and testing new interventions to address the unique needs of this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anh B. Lam
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Vanessa Moore
- College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73117, USA;
| | - Ryan D. Nipp
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
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Carr AL, Vinod N, Farha P, Lu T, Farha MJ, Graves KD. An exploration of facilitators and barriers to patient navigator core functions with breast cancer patients: Implications for the development of a human-centered mHealth app. PEC INNOVATION 2023; 3:100226. [PMID: 37859864 PMCID: PMC10583173 DOI: 10.1016/j.pecinn.2023.100226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Objectives To understand the barriers to core functions and workflow among patient navigators (PN) who navigate people diagnosed with breast cancer (BC). To identify how a mobile health (mHealth) app could assist PNs in providing care to BC patients. Methods This qualitative research study used purposive sampling to recruit stakeholders (N = 33) from January to August 2021. We conducted individual semi-structured interviews with PNs (n = 11), oncology care providers (n = 12), and BC patients (n = 10). We used conventional content analysis to analyze the interview data. Results Participants identified the following sociotechnical systems barriers in PN workflows that negatively impact BC patient care: 1) resources, 2) insurance coverage, 3) communication challenges, and 4) impact of logistical tasks. Participants identified the user experience, app features, and interoperability customizations to enhance PNs' provision of patient care as important design elements to include in a mHealth app. Conclusion Feedback from stakeholders provided valuable insights into key design considerations, functions, and content areas for developing a mHealth app for PN use in BC care delivery. Innovation This is one of the first studies to incorporate the human-centered design and sociotechnical systems frameworks to understand barriers to PN workflow and provision of BC patient care across the cancer care continuum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaina L. Carr
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Naomi Vinod
- Department of Psychology, Howard University, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Tan Lu
- Avident Health LLC, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Surgery, MedStar Union Memorial and Good Samaritan Hospitals, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Maen J. Farha
- Avident Health LLC, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Surgery, MedStar Union Memorial and Good Samaritan Hospitals, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kristi D. Graves
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
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12
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Yuan X, Zhang X, He J, Xing W. Interventions for financial toxicity among cancer survivors: A scoping review. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2023; 192:104140. [PMID: 37739147 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Financial toxicity impairs cancer survivors' material condition, psychological wellbeing and quality of life. This scoping review aimed to identify interventions for reducing cancer-related financial toxicity (FT), and to summarize their main findings. METHODS A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, CINAHL, Clinical Trials, China National Knowledge Internet, Wanfang and SinoMed from January 2010 to September 2022 following the PRISMA-ScR checklist. RESULTS From 2842 identified articles, a total of 15 were included in this review. Existing interventions can be classified into four types: financial navigation, financial counseling, insurance education and others. Previous interventions preliminarily affirmed the feasibility, satisfaction, and improvement in financial worries and knowledge. However, the effectiveness on FT was controversial. CONCLUSIONS Previous interventions affirmed the feasibility and primary effect of these interventions. Studies with more rigorous design are needed to evaluate the effectiveness and generalizability of interventions on FT across diverse healthcare systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyi Yuan
- School of nursing, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuehui Zhang
- School of nursing, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing He
- School of nursing, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weijie Xing
- School of nursing, Fudan University and core research member of Fudan University Centre for Evidence-based Nursing: A Joanna Briggs Institute Centre of Excellence, Shanghai, China.
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13
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Everson J, Besaw RJ, Whitmore CC, Joseph Mattingly T, Sinaiko AD, Keating NL, Everson NS, Dusetzina SB. Quality of Medication Cost Conversations and Interest in Future Cost Conversations Among Older Adults. J Gen Intern Med 2023; 38:3482-3489. [PMID: 37709993 PMCID: PMC10713949 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-023-08388-w] [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: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medication cost conversations occur less frequently than patients prefer, and it is unclear whether patients have positive experiences with them when they do occur. OBJECTIVE To describe patients' experiences discussing their medication costs with their health care team. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey. SETTING Nationally representative survey fielded in the United States in 2022 (response rate = 48.5%). PATIENTS 1020 adults over age 65. MEASUREMENTS Primary measures were adapted from Clinician and Group Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers Survey visit survey v4.0 and captured patients' experiences of medication cost conversations. Additional measures captured patients' interest in future cost conversations, the type of clinicians with whom they would be comfortable discussing costs, and sociodemographic characteristics. RESULTS Among 1020 respondents who discussed medication prices with their health care team, 39.3% were 75 or older and 78.6% were non-Hispanic White. Forty-three percent of respondents indicated that their prior medication cost conversation was not easy to understand; 3% indicated their health care team was not respectful and 26% indicated their health care team was somewhat respectful during their last conversation; 48% indicated that there was not enough time. Those reporting that their prior discussion was not easy to understand or that their clinician was not definitely respectful were less likely to be interested in future discussions. Only 6% and 10% of respondents indicated being comfortable discussing medication prices with financial counselors or social workers, respectively. Few differences in responses were observed by survey participant characteristics. LIMITATIONS This cross-sectional survey of prior experiences may be subject to recall bias. CONCLUSION Among older adults who engaged in prior medication cost conversations, many report that these conversations are not easy to understand and that almost one-third of clinicians were somewhat or not respectful. Efforts to increase the frequency of medication cost conversations should consider parallel interventions to ensure the discussions are effective at informing prescribing decisions and reducing cost-related medication nonadherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Everson
- Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Robert J Besaw
- Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Christine C Whitmore
- Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - T Joseph Mattingly
- Department of Pharmacotherapy, University of Utah College of Pharmacy, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Anna D Sinaiko
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nancy L Keating
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nicole Senft Everson
- Health Communication and Informatics Research Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Stacie B Dusetzina
- Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA.
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14
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Doherty M, Thom B, Gardner DS. Administrative Burden Associated with Cost-Related Delays in Care in U.S. Cancer Patients. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023; 32:1583-1590. [PMID: 37644659 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-23-0119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND U.S. cancer patients engage in administrative tasks to pay for their healthcare. This study investigated the relationship between payment tasks and timely access to cancer care. METHODS We analyzed online survey data from 510 U.S. cancer patients and survivors to understand the relationship between administrative payment tasks and cost-related delays and nonadherence. Two-part modelling was used to determine if, and to what extent, there was a relationship between administrative burden and cost-related delays/nonadherence. RESULTS Younger patients (≤44 years) reported more payment tasks and cost-related delays/nonadherence than older patients (≥ 55 years); African American patients reported more payment tasks and cost-related delays/nonadherence than white patients. After accounting for age, race/ethnicity, education, and out-of-pocket costs, patients who reported engaging in more tasks had greater log odds of delaying/forgoing care [b = 0.18; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.12-0.24]. Cost-related delays/nonadherence increased by 32% for every unit increase in administrative payment burden (b = 0.32; 95% CI, 0.18-0.46). CONCLUSIONS Administrative payment burden increased the odds of cost-related delays and nonadherence by 49%, taking the form of delayed or skipped doctor appointments, tests and bloodwork, and prescription fulfillment. Younger patients and those identifying as African American were more likely to engage in payment tasks and to delay or forgo care due to cost. Administrative burdens can disrupt access to care and traditionally underserved patient populations are disproportionately exposed to these hardships. IMPACT Reducing the complexity of healthcare through universal, human-centered design could reduce burdens and increase access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith Doherty
- School of Social Policy and Practice, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Bridgette Thom
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Affordability Working Group, New York, New York
| | - Daniel S Gardner
- Silberman School of Social Work, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York
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15
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Reeder-Hayes KE, Biddell CB, Manning ML, Rosenstein DL, Samuel-Ryals CA, Spencer JC, Smith S, Deal A, Gellin M, Wheeler SB. Knowledge, Attitudes, and Resources of Frontline Oncology Support Personnel Regarding Financial Burden in Patients With Cancer. JCO Oncol Pract 2023; 19:654-661. [PMID: 37294912 DOI: 10.1200/op.22.00631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/11/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Financial navigation services support patients with cancer and address the direct and indirect financial burden of cancer diagnosis and treatment. These services are commonly delivered through a variety of frontline oncology support personnel (FOSP) including navigators, social workers, supportive care providers, and other clinic staff, but the perspective of FOSPs is largely absent from current literature on financial burden in oncology. We surveyed a national sample of FOSPs to understand their perspectives on patient financial burden, resource availability, and barriers and facilitators to assisting patients with cancer-related financial burden. METHODS We used Qualtrics online survey software and recruited participants using multiple professional society and interest group mailing lists. Categorical responses were described using frequencies, distributions of numeric survey responses were described using the median and IQR, and two open-ended survey questions were categorized thematically using a priori themes, allowing additional emergent themes. RESULTS Two hundred fourteen FOSPs completed this national survey. Respondents reported a high awareness of patient financial burden and felt comfortable speaking to patients about financial concerns. Patient assistance resources were commonly available, but only 15% described resources as sufficient for the observed needs. A substantial portion of respondents reported moral distress related to this lack of resources. CONCLUSION FOSPs, who already have requisite knowledge and comfort in discussing patient financial needs, are a critical resource for mitigating cancer-related financial burden. Interventions should leverage this resource but prioritize transparency and efficiency to reduce the administrative and emotional toll on the FOSP workforce and reduce the risk of burnout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine E Reeder-Hayes
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Caitlin B Biddell
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Michelle L Manning
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Donald L Rosenstein
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Cleo A Samuel-Ryals
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
- Current Address: Flatiron Health, New York, NY
| | - Jennifer C Spencer
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
- Current Address: Department of Population Health, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
| | | | - Allison Deal
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Mindy Gellin
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Stephanie B Wheeler
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
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16
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Williams CP, Platter HN, Davidoff AJ, Vanderpool RC, Pisu M, de Moor JS. "It's just not easy to understand": A mixed methods study of health insurance literacy and insurance plan decision-making in cancer survivors. Cancer Med 2023; 12:15424-15434. [PMID: 37218419 PMCID: PMC10417217 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding cancer survivors' health insurance decision-making is needed to improve insurance choice, potentially resulting in reduced financial hardship. METHODS This explanatory mixed methods study assessed health insurance decision-making in cancer survivors. Health Insurance Literacy Measure (HILM) captured HIL. Quantitative eye-tracking data collected from two simulated health insurance plan choice sets gauged dwell time (seconds), or interest, in benefits. Dwell time differences by HIL were estimated using adjusted linear models. Qualitative interviews explored survivors' insurance decision-making choices. RESULTS Cancer survivors (N = 80; 38% breast cancer) had a median age of 43 at diagnosis (IQR 34-52). When comparing traditional and high-deductible health plans, survivors were most interested in drug costs (median dwell time 58 s, IQR 34-109). When comparing health maintenance organization and preferred provider organization plans, survivors were most interested in test/imaging costs (40s, IQR 14-67). Survivors with low versus high HIL had more interest in deductible (β = 19 s, 95% CI 2-38) and hospitalization costs (β = 14 s, 95% CI 1-27) in adjusted models. Survivors with low versus high HIL more often ranked out-of-pocket (OOP) maximums and coinsurance as the most important and confusing benefits, respectively. Interviews (n = 20) revealed survivors felt alone "to do their own research" about insurance choices. OOP maximums were cited as the deciding factor since it is "how much money is going to be taken out of my pocket." Coinsurance was considered "rather than a benefit, it's a hindrance." CONCLUSION Interventions to aid in health insurance understanding and choice are needed to optimize plan choice and potentially reduce cancer-related financial hardship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney P. Williams
- Divison of Preventive MedicineUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamAlabamaUSA
| | - Heather N. Platter
- Division of Cancer Control and Population SciencesNational Cancer InstituteRockvilleMarylandUSA
| | - Amy J. Davidoff
- Division of Cancer Control and Population SciencesNational Cancer InstituteRockvilleMarylandUSA
| | - Robin C. Vanderpool
- Division of Cancer Control and Population SciencesNational Cancer InstituteRockvilleMarylandUSA
| | - Maria Pisu
- Divison of Preventive MedicineUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamAlabamaUSA
| | - Janet S. de Moor
- Division of Cancer Control and Population SciencesNational Cancer InstituteRockvilleMarylandUSA
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17
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Benedict C, Thom B, Diefenbach M, Schapira L, Simon P, Ford JS. The Impact of Cancer-Related Financial Toxicity on Reproductive Concerns and Family-Building Decision-Making in Post-Treatment Survivorship. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2023; 12:408-415. [PMID: 36169520 PMCID: PMC10282808 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2022.0088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Adolescent and young adult (AYA) survivors are at-risk for cancer-related financial difficulties (i.e., financial toxicity [FT]). Family building after cancer often requires reproductive medicine or adoption with high costs; AYAs experience financial barriers to family building. This study evaluated the relationships among cancer FT, reproductive concerns, and decision-making processes about family building after cancer. Methods: AYA female (AYA-F) cancer survivors completed a cross-sectional survey including measures of FT, reproductive concerns, decisional conflict about family building, and decision-making self-efficacy. Differences across FT subgroups (i.e., no/mild, moderate, and severe FT) were tested. Linear regression evaluated the relationships between FT and reproductive concerns and decision-making processes. Results: Participants (N = 111) averaged 31.0 years (standard deviation [SD] = 5.49), 90% were nulliparous, and 84% were employed full/part-time. The overall FT levels were in the "moderate" range (M = 20.44, SD = 9.83); 48% worried quite a bit or very much about financial problems because of cancer. AYA-Fs reporting severe FT (24% of sample) experienced higher levels of reproductive concerns compared with those reporting no/mild and moderate FT. Those reporting moderate FT (46% of sample) reported greater decisional conflict about family-building options, compared with the no/mild FT subgroup. Both moderate and severe FT subgroups reported lower decision-making self-efficacy compared with the no/mild FT subgroup. In separate models controlling for covariates, greater FT related to higher levels of reproductive concerns (B = -0.39, p < 0.001), greater decisional conflict about family building (B = -0.56, p = 0.02), and lower decision-making self-efficacy (B = 0.60, p = 0.01). Conclusions: Given the high costs of reproductive medicine and adoption, fertility counseling pre- and post-treatment must address survivors' financial concerns and barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Benedict
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Bridgette Thom
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Michael Diefenbach
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, New York, USA
| | | | - Pam Simon
- Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Jennifer S. Ford
- Hunter College and The Graduate Center, City University of New York (CUNY), New York, New York, USA
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18
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Doherty M, Heintz J, Leader A, Wittenburg D, Ben-Shalom Y, Jacoby J, Castro A, West S. Guaranteed Income and Financial Treatment Trial (GIFT Trial or GIFTT): a 12-month, randomized controlled trial to compare the effectiveness of monthly unconditional cash transfers to treatment as usual in reducing financial toxicity in people with cancer who have low incomes. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1179320. [PMID: 37275728 PMCID: PMC10234289 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1179320] [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: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-related financial hardship (i.e., financial toxicity) has been associated with anxiety and depression, greater pain and symptom burden, treatment nonadherence, and mortality. Out-of-pocket healthcare costs and lost income are primary drivers of financial toxicity, however, income loss is a pronounced risk factor for cancer patients with low incomes. There has been little progress in developing an income intervention to alleviate financial toxicity cancer patients with low incomes. Unconditional cash transfers (UCT), or guaranteed income, have produced positive health effects in experiments with general low-income populations, but have not yet been evaluated in people with cancer. The Guaranteed Income and Financial Treatment (GIFT) Trial will use a two-arm randomized controlled trial to compare the efficacy of a 12-month UCT intervention providing $1000/month to treatment as usual on financial toxicity, health-related quality of life and treatment adherence in people with cancer who have low-incomes. The study will recruit 250 Medicaid beneficiaries with advanced cancer from two comprehensive cancer centers in Philadelphia, obtain informed consent, and randomize patients to one of two conditions: (1) $1,000/month UCT or (2) treatment as usual. Both arms will receive information on financial toxicity and the contact information for their hospital social worker or financial advocate upon enrollment. Participants will complete online surveys at baseline, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months from enrollment to collect patient-reported data on primary (i.e., financial toxicity, health-related quality of life, and treatment adherence) and secondary outcomes (i.e., anxiety, depression, food insecurity, housing stability). Social security records will be used to explore the effect on mortality at 2, 3, and 5 years post-enrollment. Linear mixed-models will be used to analyze all primary and secondary continuous outcomes over time and general estimating equations with a logit link and binary distribution for all binary outcomes over time. Differences between treatment and control groups and treatment effects will be determined using models that control for age, gender, race, baseline food security, baseline housing stability, and baseline ECOG. Findings from this study will have significant implications for the development and implementation of programs and policies that address the financial burden of cancer and other serious illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith Doherty
- School of Social Policy and Practice, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Jonathan Heintz
- School of Social Policy and Practice, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Amy Leader
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | | | | | - Jessica Jacoby
- School of Social Policy and Practice, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Amy Castro
- School of Social Policy and Practice, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Stacia West
- College of Social Work, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, United States
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19
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Edward JS, McLouth LE, Rayens MK, Eisele LP, Davis TS, Hildebrandt G. Coverage and Cost-of-Care Links: Addressing Financial Toxicity Among Patients With Hematologic Cancer and Their Caregivers. JCO Oncol Pract 2023; 19:e696-e705. [PMID: 36888937 PMCID: PMC10414719 DOI: 10.1200/op.22.00665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study examined the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of an oncology financial navigation (OFN) intervention, Coverage and Cost-of-Care Links (CC Links), among patients with hematologic cancer and their caregivers who are at increased risk of experiencing financial toxicity (FT). METHODS All patients who presented to the Division of Hematology and Bone and Marrow Transplant (BMT) at an National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center between April 2021 and January 2022 were screened for FT during inpatient and outpatient visits. Patients who screened positive for FT and met the inclusion criteria were recruited to participate in CC Links that provided financial navigation and assistance via a financial navigator. Caregivers of patients undergoing BMTs were also recruited to participate. Primary outcomes were defined as improvements in FT, distress, and physical and mental quality of life. RESULTS Fifty-four patients and 32 caregivers completed the intervention and pre-/postintervention surveys. CC Links resulted in statistically significant decreases in the Comprehensive Score for FT for both patients (|t| = 2.42, P = .019) and caregivers (|t| = 2.43, P = .021) and total FT (|t| = 2.13, P = .041) and material conditions scores (|t| = 2.25, P = .031) for caregivers only. Only 27% of eligible patients participated in the study, whereas 100% of eligible caregivers participated. The majority of participants rated the intervention highly for acceptability (89%) and appropriateness (88%). An average of $2,500 (USD) in financial benefits was secured per participant via CC Links. CONCLUSION CC Links was effective in decreasing FT among patients with hematologic cancer and their caregivers while demonstrating high acceptability and appropriateness ratings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean S. Edward
- College of Nursing, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Laurie E. McLouth
- Department of Behavioral Health, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | | | - Lori P. Eisele
- Patient Financial Experience, University of Kentucky HealthCare, Lexington, KY
| | - Tani S. Davis
- Markey Cancer Center, Division of Hematology and Blood and Marrow Transplants, Lexington, KY
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20
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Khan HM, Ramsey S, Shankaran V. Financial Toxicity in Cancer Care: Implications for Clinical Care and Potential Practice Solutions. J Clin Oncol 2023; 41:3051-3058. [PMID: 37071839 DOI: 10.1200/jco.22.01799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with cancer face an array of financial consequences as a result of their diagnosis and treatment, collectively referred to as financial toxicity (FT). In the past 10 years, the body of literature on this subject has grown tremendously, with a recent focus on interventions and mitigation strategies. In this review, we will briefly summarize the FT literature, focusing on the contributing factors and downstream consequences on patient outcomes. In addition, we will put FT into context with our emerging understanding of the role of social determinants of health and provide a framework for understanding FT across the cancer care continuum. We will then discuss the role of the oncology community in addressing FT and outline potential strategies that oncologists and health systems can implement to reduce this undue burden on patients with cancer and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiba M Khan
- Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Scott Ramsey
- Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Veena Shankaran
- Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
- Division of Medical Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
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21
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Ragavan MV, Mora RV, Winder K, Incudine A, Cunningham R, Stivers T, Borno HT. Impact of a Comprehensive Financial Resource on Financial Toxicity in a National, Multiethnic Sample of Adult, Adolescent/Young Adult, and Pediatric Patients With Cancer. JCO Oncol Pract 2023; 19:e286-e297. [PMID: 36378994 DOI: 10.1200/op.22.00350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Financial toxicity is a well-recognized problem for patients with cancer. However, a crucial gap remains in describing and implementing mitigation strategies. We conducted a national survey of a multiethnic adolescent/pediatric and adult patient population served by Family Reach, a nonprofit organization focused on removing financial barriers to cancer care, to evaluate the impact of a comprehensive financial resource on patient-reported financial toxicity. METHODS An electronic survey was administered to characterize patients' current financial health and the impact of Family Reach's resources on financial toxicity. The survey was e-mailed to all patients or caregivers who received resources from Family Reach between January 1, 2020, and June 30, 2020. Factors associated with higher financial stress and higher potential impact of resources on financial burden were evaluated through separate multivariate regression models. Qualitative responses were analyzed using manual coding and thematic analysis. RESULTS Three hundred thirty socioeconomically and racially diverse respondents (overall response rate 40%; 46% non-Hispanic White; 48% with incomes below the federal poverty line) completed the survey and were included in the analysis. More than half of respondents reported high financial stress in the previous week. Hispanic ethnicity, Black race, and low annual household income were associated with higher financial toxicity. A greater amount of financial assistance was associated with a higher confidence rating that resources provided would decrease financial stress. In open-ended comments, respondents highlighted the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting job loss on financial toxicity, the importance of financial navigation, the benefits of financial assistance, and anxiety about long-term financial health. CONCLUSION A comprehensive financial resource, particularly financial assistance, alleviated financial toxicity in a multiethnic national sample of patients with cancer. Ongoing work is critical to address sustainable funding sources and financial navigation to support patients during treatment and survivorship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meera V Ragavan
- University of California, San Francisco, Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, San Francisco, CA
| | - Rosa V Mora
- University of California San Francisco, School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA
| | | | | | | | | | - Hala T Borno
- University of California, San Francisco, Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, San Francisco, CA.,Trial Library Inc, San Francisco, CA
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Financial Toxicity: A Barrier to Achieving Health Equity in Cancer Care. J Am Coll Radiol 2023; 20:37-39. [PMID: 36503172 PMCID: PMC9797364 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2022.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Noel CW, Hueniken K, Forner D, Liu G, Eng L, Hosni A, Hahn E, Irish JC, Gilbert R, Yao CMKL, Monteiro E, O’Sullivan B, Waldron J, Huang SH, Goldstein DP, de Almeida JR. Association of Household Income at Diagnosis With Financial Toxicity, Health Utility, and Survival in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2023; 149:63-70. [PMID: 36416855 PMCID: PMC9685545 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoto.2022.3755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Importance While several studies have documented a link between socioeconomic status and survival in head and neck cancer, nearly all have used ecologic, community-based measures. Studies using more granular patient-level data are lacking. Objective To determine the association of baseline annual household income with financial toxicity, health utility, and survival. Design, Setting, and Participants This was a prospective cohort of adult patients with head and neck cancer treated at a tertiary cancer center in Toronto, Ontario, between September 17, 2015, and December 19, 2019. Data analysis was performed from April to December 2021. Exposures Annual household income at time of diagnosis. Main Outcome and Measures The primary outcome of interest was disease-free survival. Secondary outcomes included subjective financial toxicity, measured using the Financial Index of Toxicity (FIT) tool, and health utility, measured using the Health Utilities Index Mark 3. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the association between household income and survival. Income was regressed onto log-transformed FIT scores using linear models. The association between income and health utility was explored using generalized linear models. Generalized estimating equations were used to account for patient-level clustering. Results There were 555 patients (mean [SD] age, 62.7 [10.7] years; 109 [20%] women and 446 [80%] men) included in this cohort. Two-year disease-free survival was worse for patients in the bottom income quartile (<$30 000: 67%; 95% CI, 58%-78%) compared with the top quartile (≥$90 000: 88%; 95% CI, 83%-93%). In risk-adjusted models, patients in the bottom income quartile had inferior disease-free survival (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.22-3.71) and overall survival (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.01; 95% CI, 0.94-4.29), when compared with patients in the highest quartile. The average FIT score was 22.6 in the lowest income quartile vs 11.7 in the highest quartile. In adjusted analysis, low-income patients had 12-month FIT scores that were, on average, 134% higher (worse) (95% CI, 16%-253%) than high-income patients. Similarly, health utility scores were, on average, 0.104 points lower (95% CI, 0.026-0.182) for low-income patients in adjusted analysis. Conclusions and Relevance In this cohort study, patients with head and neck cancer with a household income less than CAD$30 000 experienced worse financial toxicity, health status, and disease-free survival. Significant disparities exist for Ontario's patients with head and neck cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher W. Noel
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery/Surgical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre–University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Katrina Hueniken
- Department of Biostatistics, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Forner
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Geoffrey Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lawson Eng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ali Hosni
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ezra Hahn
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jonathan C. Irish
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery/Surgical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre–University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ralph Gilbert
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery/Surgical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre–University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christopher M. K. L. Yao
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery/Surgical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre–University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eric Monteiro
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Sinai Health System, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brian O’Sullivan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - John Waldron
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shao Hui Huang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David P. Goldstein
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery/Surgical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre–University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - John R. de Almeida
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery/Surgical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre–University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Su CT, Shankaran V. Defining the Role of the Modern Oncology Provider in Mitigating Financial Toxicity. J Am Coll Radiol 2023; 20:51-56. [PMID: 36513257 PMCID: PMC9898149 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2022.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Financial toxicity, the cumulative financial hardships resulting from cancer diagnosis and treatment, is a growing problem in the United States. With the proliferation of costly novel therapeutics and improved cancer survival, financial toxicity will remain a major issue in cancer care delivery. Frontline oncology providers serve as gatekeepers in the medical system and, as such, could play essential roles in recognizing and addressing financial toxicity. Providers and health systems could help mitigate financial toxicity through routine financial toxicity screening, financial navigation, and advocacy. Specific strategies include developing and implementing financial screening instruments that can be integrated in electronic medical records and establishing team-based financial navigation programs to help patients with out-of-pocket medical costs, nonmedical spending, and insurance optimization. Finally, providers should continue to advocate for policies and legislation that decrease cost and promote value-based care. In this review, we examine opportunities for provider engagement in these areas and highlight gaps for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher T Su
- Division of Hematology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington; and Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcome Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington.
| | - Veena Shankaran
- Division of Medical Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington; and Codirector, Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcome Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington
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