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Pangestu S, Harjanti EP, Pertiwi IH, Rencz F, Nurdiyanto FA. Financial Toxicity Experiences of Patients With Cancer in Indonesia: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. Value Health Reg Issues 2023; 41:25-31. [PMID: 38154366 DOI: 10.1016/j.vhri.2023.11.007] [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: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Financial toxicity (FT) is an important adverse effect of cancer. Recent systematic reviews have shown that FT may lead to treatment nonadherence and impaired health-related quality of life, both of which may adversely influence the survival rates of patients. However, less is known about how patients endure FT, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The purpose of this study was to explore how patients with cancer experience and cope with FT in Indonesia. METHODS Semistructured in-depth interviews were conducted to explore the experiences of Indonesian patients with cancer. Qualitative data were analyzed using interpretive phenomenological analysis approach. We purposefully recruited 8 patients undergoing active treatment (aged 27-69 years) who had been diagnosed of cancer over 5 years before and possessed health insurance at the time of diagnosis. RESULTS We identified 2 main themes: (1) the experienced financial burden, with subthemes underinsurance, out-of-pocket nonhealthcare cancer-related costs, and negative income effect from employment disruption, and (2) the financial coping strategies, with subthemes reallocating household budget, seeking family support, rationalizing treatment decisions, and topping up insurance for family members. CONCLUSIONS This is the first interpretive phenomenological study on FT in the literature and the first qualitative FT study in Indonesia. Our findings provide insight into the occurrence of FT and coping strategies used by Indonesian patients with cancer. The subjective experiences of patients may be considered to further improve oncology care, support the need for measurement of FT, and provide mitigation programs for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stevanus Pangestu
- Department of Health Policy, Corvinus University of Budapest, Budapest, Hungary; Doctoral School of Business and Management, Corvinus University of Budapest, Budapest, Hungary; Faculty of Economics and Business, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia.
| | | | - Ika Hana Pertiwi
- Faculty of Psychology, Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Fanni Rencz
- Department of Health Policy, Corvinus University of Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
| | - F A Nurdiyanto
- Faculty of Psychology, Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
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Chung H, Hyatt A, Kosmider S, Webber K, Krishnasamy M. Availability and accessibility of services to address financial toxicity described by Australian lung cancer patients and healthcare professionals. Support Care Cancer 2023; 31:554. [PMID: 37659009 PMCID: PMC10474978 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-08019-4] [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: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Although the financial burden and impact of a cancer diagnosis has been widely described in international literature, less understood is the availability and accessibility of services to ameliorate this need. This study reports the experiences of Australian lung cancer patients and health professionals delivering care, regarding factors that exacerbate and mitigate financial stress, and availability and accessibility of services to support people following a cancer diagnosis. METHODS Qualitative semi-structured interviews with twenty-three lung cancer patients attending two metropolitan tertiary health services and eleven health professionals delivering care were undertaken during July-August 2021. RESULTS Neither health service systematically screened for financial toxicity nor routinely provided information regarding potential financial impacts during consultations. Patients experienced lengthy delays in accessing welfare supports, provoking financial stress and worry. Health professionals reported limited resources and referral services to support patients with financial need; this was especially problematic for patients with lung cancer. They described its psychological impact on patients and their family members or carers and warned of its impact on ability to adhere to treatment. CONCLUSION Available and accessibility of services addressing financial toxicity in Australian lung cancer patients is inadequate. Although financial stress is a common, distressing problem, health professionals feel hampered in their ability to help due to limited service availability. Left unaddressed, financial toxicity can impact treatment adherence, directly influencing health outcomes, and increase risk of poverty, amplifying social inequities. Findings highlight opportunity for actionable interventions like financial consent and routine screening and discussion of financial toxicity across care pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly Chung
- Academic Nursing Unit, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan Street Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia
- Department of Health Services Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan Street Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia
| | - Amelia Hyatt
- Department of Health Services Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan Street Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
- Department of Nursing, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Suzanne Kosmider
- Cancer Services, Sunshine Hospital, Western Health, St Albans, Victoria, 3021, Australia
| | - Kate Webber
- Oncology Department, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
- School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Meinir Krishnasamy
- Academic Nursing Unit, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan Street Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia.
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia.
- Department of Nursing, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia.
- Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre Alliance, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia.
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Biddell CB, Waters AR, Angove RSM, Gallagher KD, Rosenstein DL, Spees LP, Kent EE, Planey AM, Wheeler SB. Facing financial barriers to healthcare: patient-informed adaptation of a conceptual framework for adults with a history of cancer. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1178517. [PMID: 37255517 PMCID: PMC10225523 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1178517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer-related financial hardship is associated with negative clinical outcomes, which may be partially explained by cost-related delayed or forgone care in response to financial barriers. We sought to understand patient experiences facing financial barriers to medical care following a cancer diagnosis. Methods We conducted virtual, semi-structured interviews in Fall 2022 with 20 adults with a history of cancer who had experienced cancer-related financial hardship in the prior year. We used template analysis within a pragmatic paradigm, combining constructivist and critical realist theoretical perspectives, to analyze interview transcripts and adapt an existing conceptual framework of financial barriers to care. Results The majority of interviewees identified as women (70%), non-Hispanic white (60%), and reported an annual household income of <$48,000 (60%). As interviewees sought to overcome financial barriers, they described substantial frustration at the limitations and complexities of United States health and social care systems, resulting in a reliance on a fragmented, uncertain resource landscape. The administrative burden resulting from bureaucratic systems and the advocacy responsibilities required to navigate them ultimately fell on interviewees and their caregivers. Thus, participants described their ability to overcome financial barriers as being influenced by individual and interpersonal factors, such as social support, comfort asking for help, time, prior experience navigating resources, and physical and mental health. However, participants noted health system organizational factors, such as whether all new patients proactively met with a social worker or financial navigator, as having the potential to lessen the administrative and financial burden experienced. Conclusion We present an adapted conceptual framework outlining multi-level factors influencing patient experiences coping with financial barriers to medical care. In addition to influencing whether a patient ultimately delays or forgoes care due to cost, financial barriers also have the potential to independently affect patient mental, physical, and financial health.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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, United States
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Austin R. Waters
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Rebekah S. M. Angove
- Patient Insight Institute, Patient Advocate Foundation, Hampton, VA, United States
| | | | - Donald L. Rosenstein
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Departments of Psychiatry and Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Lisa P. Spees
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Erin E. Kent
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Arrianna Marie Planey
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Stephanie B. Wheeler
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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Qiu Z, Yao L, Jiang J. Financial toxicity assessment and associated factors analysis of patients with cancer in China. Support Care Cancer 2023; 31:264. [PMID: 37058171 PMCID: PMC10101818 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-07714-6] [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: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cancer-related expenditures present a lasting economic burden on patients and their families and may exert long-term adverse effects on the patients' life and quality of life. In this study, the comprehensive score for financial toxicity (COST) was used to investigate the financial toxicity (FT) levels and related risk factors in Chinese patients with cancer. METHODS Quantitative data were collected through a questionnaire covering three aspects: sociodemographic information, economic and behavioral cost-coping strategies, and the COST scale. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors associated with FT. RESULTS According to 594 completed questionnaires, the COST score ranged 0-41, with a median of 18 (mean±SD, 17.98±7.978). Over 80% of patients with cancer reported at least moderate FT (COST score <26). A multivariate model showed that urban residents, coverage by other health insurance policies, and higher household income and consumption expenditures were significantly associated with higher COST scores, indicative of lower FT. The middle-aged (45-59 years old), higher out-of-pocket (OOP) medication expenditures and hospitalizations, borrowed money, and forgone treatment were all significantly associated with lower COST scores, indicating higher FT. CONCLUSION Severe FT was associated with sociodemographic factors among Chinese patients with cancer, family financial factors, and economic and behavioral cost-coping strategies. Government should identify and manage the patients with high-risk characteristics of FT and work out better health policies for them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zenghui Qiu
- The School of Medicine and Health Management, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lan Yao
- The School of Medicine and Health Management, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Junnan Jiang
- The School of Public Administration, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan, China
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Basile VA, Dhillon HM, Spoelma MJ, Butow PN, May J, Depczynski J, Pendlebury S. Medical treatment decision-making in rural cancer patients: A qualitative systematic review and meta-synthesis. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2022; 105:2693-2701. [PMID: 35430096 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2022.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Rural cancer patients have unique care needs which may impact upon treatment decision-making. Our aim was to conduct a qualitative systematic review and meta-synthesis to understand their perspectives and experiences of making treatment decisions. METHODS A systematic search of MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and RURAL was conducted for qualitative studies in rural cancer patients regarding treatment decision-making. Articles were screened for relevance, and data from the included articles were extracted and analysed using meta-thematic synthesis. RESULTS Twelve studies were included, with 4 themes and 9 subthemes identified. Many studies reported patients were not given a choice regarding their treatment. Choice, if given, was influenced by personal factors such as finances, proximity to social supports, convenience, and their personal values. Patients were also influenced by the opinions of others and cultural norms. Finally, it was reported that patients made choices in the context of seeking the best possible medical care and the patient-clinician relationship. CONCLUSIONS In the rural context, there are universal and unique factors that influence the treatment decisions of cancer patients. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS Our findings are an important consideration for clinicians when engaging in shared decision-making, as well as for policymakers, to understand and accommodate the unique rural perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria A Basile
- School of Psychology, Brennan-MacCallum (A18), The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia.
| | - Haryana M Dhillon
- School of Psychology, Brennan-MacCallum (A18), The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia; Psycho-Oncology Co-operative Research Group (PoCoG), School of Psychology, Level 6 North Lifehouse (C39Z), Missenden Rd, Camperdown 2006, Australia; Centre for Medical Psychology & Evidence-based Decision-Making, School of Psychology, Level 6 North Lifehouse (C39Z), Missenden Rd, Camperdown 2006, Australia.
| | - Michael J Spoelma
- School of Psychology, Brennan-MacCallum (A18), The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia; School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Level 1, AGSM Building, Botany Street, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Phyllis N Butow
- School of Psychology, Brennan-MacCallum (A18), The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia; Psycho-Oncology Co-operative Research Group (PoCoG), School of Psychology, Level 6 North Lifehouse (C39Z), Missenden Rd, Camperdown 2006, Australia; Centre for Medical Psychology & Evidence-based Decision-Making, School of Psychology, Level 6 North Lifehouse (C39Z), Missenden Rd, Camperdown 2006, Australia.
| | - Jennifer May
- University of Newcastle Department of Rural Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, 114-148 Johnston St, Tamworth, NSW 2340, Australia.
| | - Julie Depczynski
- University of Newcastle Department of Rural Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, 114-148 Johnston St, Tamworth, NSW 2340, Australia.
| | - Susan Pendlebury
- Department of Radiation Oncology, North West Cancer Centre, Dean St, North Tamworth, NSW 2340, Australia.
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Egilsdóttir H, Jónsdóttir H, Klinke ME. Living in Rural Areas and Receiving Cancer Treatment Away From Home: A Qualitative Study Foregrounding Temporality. Glob Qual Nurs Res 2022; 9:23333936221111802. [PMID: 35875361 PMCID: PMC9305796 DOI: 10.1177/23333936221111802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
We used explorative interviews to gauge (inter)personal, physiological, and emotional challenges of seven rural cancer patients who traveled long distances to cancer treatment centers. After a thematic analysis, we foregrounded experiences of temporality by using a phenomenologically inspired approach. The analysis resulted in three themes: (a) An epiphany of “what really matters in life”—time gains new meaning, (b) Feeling out of sync with others and own body—striving for coherence and simultaneity, and (c) Being torn between benefits of home and treatments site—time and distance as a tangible aspect of traveling and being away. Under these themes, 13 meaning units were generated, which reflected changes in temporality. During treatment, life primarily revolved around repeating circles of travel arrangements, staying on top of treatment schedule, and synchronizing a home life with a life away from home. Nurses should provide comprehensive care to enhance stability in cancer patients’ temporal experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marianne Elisabeth Klinke
- University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.,Landspitali, The National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
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Abrams HR, Durbin S, Huang CX, Johnson SF, Nayak RK, Zahner GJ, Peppercorn J. Financial toxicity in cancer care: origins, impact, and solutions. Transl Behav Med 2021; 11:2043-2054. [PMID: 34850932 DOI: 10.1093/tbm/ibab091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Financial toxicity describes the financial burden and distress that can arise for patients, and their family members, as a result of cancer treatment. It includes direct out-of-pocket costs for treatment and indirect costs such as travel, time, and changes to employment that can increase the burden of cancer. While high costs of cancer care have threatened the sustainability of access to care for decades, it is only in the past 10 years that the term "financial toxicity" has been popularized to recognize that the financial burdens of care can be just as important as the physical toxicities traditionally associated with cancer therapy. The past decade has seen a rapid growth in research identifying the prevalence and impact of financial toxicity. Research is now beginning to focus on innovations in screening and care delivery that can mitigate this risk. There is a need to determine the optimal strategy for clinicians and cancer centers to address costs of care in order to minimize financial toxicity, promote access to high value care, and reduce health disparities. We review the evolution of concerns over costs of cancer care, the impact of financial burdens on patients, methods to screen for financial toxicity, proposed solutions, and priorities for future research to identify and address costs that threaten the health and quality of life for many patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah R Abrams
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sienna Durbin
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Cher X Huang
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Rahul K Nayak
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Greg J Zahner
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jeffrey Peppercorn
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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