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Parker C, Berkovic D, Ayton D, Zomer E, Liew D, Wei A. Patient Perceived Financial Burden in Haematological Malignancies: A Systematic Review. Curr Oncol 2022; 29:3807-3824. [PMID: 35735414 PMCID: PMC9221876 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol29060305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in scientific understanding have led to novel therapies and improved supportive care for many patients with haematological malignancies. However, these new drugs are often costly, only available at centralised health care facilities, require regular specialist reviews and lengthy treatment regimens. This leads to a significant financial burden. Understanding the impact of financial burden on haematological patients is important to appreciate the urgency of alleviating this systemic issue. Method: Eligible studies were identified by systematically searching Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Embase. Self-reported data reported in both quantitative and qualitative studies that described the financial burden for patients with haematological malignancies were included. Quality appraisal of the included studies was undertaken using the Joanna Briggs Institute tools. A narrative synthesis was employed. For quantitative studies, outcomes were extracted, tabulated and categorised to find similarities and differences between the studies. For qualitative studies, quotations, codes and themes were extracted and then clustered. An inductive approach derived qualitative themes. Results: Twenty studies were identified for inclusion. Of the quantitative studies most (83%) employed un-validated researcher-generated measures to assess financial burden. Between 15–59% of patients experienced a financial burden. Out-of-pocket expenditure was frequent for clinical appointments, prescription and non-prescription medication, and travel. Financial burden was associated with a worsening quality of life and living in metropolitan areas, but there was no evidence for impact on survival. Patient-centred experiences from the qualitative inquiry complemented the quantitative findings and five themes were determined: familial or household impact; reliance on others; barriers to care due to cost; and barriers to accessing financial assistance and sources of out-of-pocket expenses. Conclusion: The impacts of financial burden are yet to be fully appreciated in haematological malignancies, exacerbated by the heterogeneous methods employed by researchers. Future work should focus on identifying the long-term ramifications of financial burden for patients and should trial interventions to reduce its prevalence and patient impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catriona Parker
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia; (D.B.); (D.A.); (E.Z.); (D.L.)
- Department of Haematology, Alfred Health, Melbourne 3004, Australia;
- Correspondence:
| | - Danielle Berkovic
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia; (D.B.); (D.A.); (E.Z.); (D.L.)
| | - Darshini Ayton
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia; (D.B.); (D.A.); (E.Z.); (D.L.)
| | - Ella Zomer
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia; (D.B.); (D.A.); (E.Z.); (D.L.)
| | - Danny Liew
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia; (D.B.); (D.A.); (E.Z.); (D.L.)
| | - Andrew Wei
- Department of Haematology, Alfred Health, Melbourne 3004, Australia;
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Gunn KM, Skrabal Ross X, McLoughlin M, McDonald S, Olver I. The psychosocial experiences and supportive care preferences of organ transplant recipients and their carers who live in regional Australia. Aust J Rural Health 2021; 29:92-105. [PMID: 33550657 DOI: 10.1111/ajr.12693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is no evidence that being a rural or regional organ transplant recipient has adverse physical health outcomes post-surgery compared with those experienced by people living in cities, but the impact of living remotely from transplant centres on psychosocial outcomes has not been explored. OBJECTIVE To identify the social, emotional, psychological, spiritual, informational and practical issues associated with being a regionally based organ transplant recipient or carer and determine how support services could be improved for this group. DESIGN/ SETTING/ PARTICIPANTS Twenty-two purposively sampled adult Australians who lived outside metropolitan centres and had received an organ transplant (n = 15) or were the primary carer of someone who had received one (n = 7), participated in semi-structured, telephone interviews. Qualitative data were collected until data saturation was reached and were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Five key themes (plus subthemes) were identified: (a) travelling for specialist transplant care takes a toll, (b) unique transplant-related psychological and emotional issues experienced before and after transplants, (c) caring for transplant recipients is a demanding role, (d) lay, peer and professional support, including rural general practitioners and accommodation facilities, help ease the burden, but (e) significant barriers to accessing transplant-focused psychosocial support exist. CONCLUSION Novel methods of delivering targeted, transplant-specific information and psychosocial care to rural transplant recipients and their carers, employers and rural health professionals require development and evaluation. Strategies might be delivered by peers or professionals via telehealth, telephone, social media or websites for example, depending on preferences and level of need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate M Gunn
- University of South Australia Cancer Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Department of Rural Health, Allied Health & Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Xiomara Skrabal Ross
- University of South Australia Cancer Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | | | - Stephen McDonald
- Australia & New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant Registry, South Australia Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Central Northern Adelaide Renal and Transplantation Service, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Ian Olver
- School of Psychology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Liu B, Lee FF, Boscoe F. Residential mobility among adult cancer survivors in the United States. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1601. [PMID: 33097009 PMCID: PMC7585207 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09686-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While residential mobility affects people's health, the dynamic of neighborhood tenure and its associated factors among cancer patients and survivors have not been studied in detail. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify sociodemographic factors associated with neighborhood tenure and relocation after the first cancer diagnosis among U.S. adult cancer survivors and patients. METHODS Based on a nationally representative sample of non-institutionalized civilian adults (≥18 years, n = 185,637) from the 2013-2018 National Health Interview Survey, we compared neighborhood tenure between adults with and without a history of cancer, and identified factors associated with their neighborhood tenure and relocation after the first cancer diagnosis, using propensity score matching, and logistic regression models with survey design incorporated. RESULTS Among adults with cancer (9.0%), 39.6% had a neighborhood tenure ≤10 years (vs. 61.2% among those without cancer), and 25.6% (equivalent to 5.4 million) relocated after their first cancer diagnosis. The odds of having shorter neighborhood tenure was higher among the cancer group in the propensity-matched samples (odds ratio = 1.05; 95% CI: 1.05-1.06; n = 17,259). Among cancer survivors, the odds of neighborhood relocation were negatively associated with increasing age, perceived neighborhood social cohesion, having high school level education, and being married; while positively associated with having family income below the poverty threshold, being uninsured, and living in non-Northeast regions. CONCLUSIONS High residential mobility was found among a sizable proportion of adults with a history of cancer, and was associated with multiple socioeconomic factors. Incorporating and addressing modifiable risk factors associated with residential mobility among cancer patients and survivors may offer new intervention opportunities to improve cancer care delivery and reduce cancer disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bian Liu
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1077, New York City, NY, 10029, USA.
| | - Furrina F Lee
- Bureau of Cancer Epidemiology, Division of Chronic Disease Prevention, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, USA
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Lueckmann SL, Schumann N, Hoffmann L, Roick J, Kowalski C, Dragano N, Richter M. 'It was a big monetary cut'-A qualitative study on financial toxicity analysing patients' experiences with cancer costs in Germany. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2020; 28:771-780. [PMID: 31802578 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.12907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Receiving information about expected costs promptly after a cancer diagnosis through psycho-oncology care or social counselling is crucial for patients to be prepared for the financial impact. Nevertheless, less is known about financial impacts for cancer patients in countries with statutory health insurance. This study aims to explore the full scope of costs that constitute the financial impact of a cancer diagnosis in Germany and to identify the reasons for high financial decline. Semistructured interviews with 39 cancer patients were conducted between May 2017 and April 2018. Narratives were analysed via qualitative content analysis. Several factors influenced cancer patients' indirect costs and direct medical and non-medical costs. For many patients, these changes resulted in higher indirect costs caused by income losses, especially when surcharges for shift work, travel expenses or company benefits ceased and were not reimbursed. Higher direct medical costs were caused by co-payments and additional non-refundable costs. Non-medical costs were reported to increase for some patients and to decrease for others, as for example, leisure activity costs either increasing because of pampering oneself to cope with the diagnosis and undergoing therapy or decreasing because of not being able to participate in leisure activities during therapy. When analysing the financial impacts of individuals' total costs, we found that some patients experienced no financial decline or an overall financial increase. Most patients experienced overall higher costs, and income loss was the main driver of a high financial decline. Nevertheless, decreased non-medical costs due to lower work-related and leisure activity costs could compensate for these higher costs. Cancer patients are confronted with a variety of changes in their financial situations, even in countries with statutory health insurance. Screening for cancer patients with a high risk of financial decline should consider any effects on indirect costs and direct medical and nonmedical costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Lena Lueckmann
- Institute of Medical Sociology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Nadine Schumann
- Institute of Medical Sociology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Laura Hoffmann
- Institute of Medical Sociology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Julia Roick
- Institute of Medical Sociology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | | | - Nico Dragano
- Institute of Medical Sociology, Medical Faculty, University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Matthias Richter
- Institute of Medical Sociology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
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Sariman JA, Harris NM, Harvey D, Sansom-Daly UM. Experiences of Young People Living with Cancer in Nonmetropolitan Areas: A Review of the Literature. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2020; 9:133-144. [DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2019.0053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jodi A. Sariman
- Social work and Human Services, College of Arts, Society and Education (CASE), Division of Tropical Environments and Societies (DTES), James Cook University, Cairns, Australia
- Social Work, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Liaison Service, Cairns & Hinterland, Hospital and Health Service, Cairns, Australia
| | - Nonie M. Harris
- Social Work and Human Services, College of Arts, Society and Education (CASE), Division of Tropical Environments and Societies (DTES), James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Desley Harvey
- College of Healthcare Sciences, James Cook University, Cairns, Australia
- Department of Allied Health, Cairns & Hinterland Hospital and Health Service, Cairns, Australia
| | - Ursula M. Sansom-Daly
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, L1 South Wing, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
- School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, Australia
- Sydney Youth Cancer Service, Nelune Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia
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Newton JC, Hohnen H, Johnson CE, Ives A, McKiernan S, Platt V, Saunders C, Slavova-Azmanova N. '…If I don't have that sort of money again, what happens?': adapting a qualitative model to conceptualise the consequences of out-of-pocket expenses for cancer patients in mixed health systems. AUST HEALTH REV 2020; 44:355-364. [DOI: 10.1071/ah18250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to explore Western Australian cancer patients’ experiences of out-of-pocket expenses (OOPE) during diagnosis and cancer treatment using a phenomenological approach.
MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive convenience sample of 40 Western Australian cancer patients diagnosed with breast, lung, prostate or colorectal cancer. Participants were asked about the impact of their diagnosis, the associated costs and their experience within the health system. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis.
ResultsThree key themes influencing participant OOPE experiences were identified: (1) personal circumstances; (2) communication with health providers; and (3) coping strategies. Despite Australia’s public healthcare system, several participants found the costs affected their financial security and resorted to coping strategies including medication rationing and restrictive household budgeting. The key themes had a complex and interrelated effect on patient OOPE experiences and were used to adapt Carrera et al.’s model of economic consequences of cancer treatment on the patient and patient coping to describe these relationships in a mixed healthcare system.
ConclusionOrganised efforts must be implemented to mitigate maladaptive coping strategies being used by cancer patients: (1) health providers should seek informed financial consent from patients before commencing treatment; and (2) financial aid and support schemes for cancer patients should be reviewed to ensure they are delivered equitably.
What is known on this topic?The financial cost of cancer can have significant adverse effects on cancer patients. Although financial transparency is desired by cancer patients, its implementation in practice is not clear.
What does this paper add?This study adapts a conceptual model for the economic consequences of a cancer diagnosis and repurposes it for a mixed public–private health system, providing a framework for understanding downstream consequences of cancer costs and highlighting opportunities for intervention.
What are the implications for health practitioners?Health practitioners need to initiate discussions concerning treatment costs earlier with cancer patients. There are several resources and guides available to assist and facilitate financial transparency. Without urgent attention to the financial consequences of cancer treatment and related expenses, we continue to leave patients at risk of resorting to maladaptive coping strategies, such as medication rationing and restrictive household budgeting.
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Rana RH, Alam K, Gow J, Ralph N. Predictors of health care use in Australian cancer patients. Cancer Manag Res 2019; 11:6941-6957. [PMID: 31440086 PMCID: PMC6664209 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s193615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The purpose of this study is to measure health care utilization in Australian cancer patients based on their demographic, geographic and socioeconomic backgrounds. Method A total of 13,609 participants (aged 15 and over) from 7,230 households were interviewed as part of Wave 13 of the national Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey. Five hundred and seventeen participants indicated a current cancer diagnosis with 90% of those receiving active treatment at the time of interview. Independent sample t-tests, Pearson Chi-sq tests, Kruskal‒Wallis H test, binary logistic regression and a zero-inflated Poisson regression were used to examine inequality in health care use. Results Demographic and sociocultural factors such as advancing age, gender, low income, low education status, rurality, no private health insurance, increased psychological distress and less access to specialist care are associated with lower health care utilization among cancer patients. However, models of care such as general practitioner-led cancer care is preferable in younger individuals with cancer, while accessing specialist care is associated with lower rates of hospitalization and higher levels of psychological distress increases hospital length of stay. Conclusions The findings of lower health care utilization by those cancer patients with characteristics of disadvantage have implications for policy development and intervention design. Broadly, policies targeting structural social inequities are likely to increase health care utilization among the most affected/disadvantaged populations. Further investigation is needed to identify potential links between health care utilization and cancer outcomes as a step toward targeted interventions for improving outcomes in the adversely affected groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rezwanul Hasan Rana
- School of Commerce, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Australia.,Centre for Health, Informatics and Economic Research, University of Southern Queensland, Queensland, Australia
| | - Khorshed Alam
- School of Commerce, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Australia.,Centre for Health, Informatics and Economic Research, University of Southern Queensland, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jeff Gow
- School of Commerce, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Australia.,School of Accounting, Economics and Finance, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Nicholas Ralph
- Health Systems & Psycho-Oncology, Cancer Council Queensland, Queensland, Australia.,School of Nursing, University of Southern Queensland, Queensland, Australia.,St Vincent's Private Hospital , Queensland, Australia
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