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Halpern MT, Thamm C, Knowles R, Chan RJ. Cancer Survivors' Experience of Care and Financial Toxicity: Results From a National Survey. JCO Oncol Pract 2024:OP2400370. [PMID: 39173093 DOI: 10.1200/op.24.00370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Financial toxicity (FT) can adversely affect quality of life, treatment adherence, and clinical outcomes. Patient experience of care (PEC) captures patient's perspectives on interactions with health care providers (HCPs) and systems, but the impact of PEC on FT is unknown. This study examined the relationship between PEC and FT. METHODS We used data from the 2016-2017 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) Experience with Cancer Survivorship Supplement. PEC was assessed by patient-reported frequencies of their HCPs providing explanations that were easy to understand, listening carefully, showing respect, and spending enough time with the patient. FT was assessed by nine items to measure material, psychological, and behavioral FT. Analyses were performed using multivariable logistic regression controlling for sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and weighted to produce nationally representative estimates and account for survey nonresponse. RESULTS Data from 1,068 individuals diagnosed with cancer at age >18 years were assessed. A total of 30% reported material FT, 35% reported psychological FT, and 27% reported behavioral FT. Examining PEC, 64% of respondents indicated that HCPs always explained things, 60% always listened, 66% always showed respect, and 57% always spent adequate time with them. Odds of psychological FT were significantly (P < .05) lower among patients reporting HCPs always (v never/sometimes) listened to them (odds ratio [OR], 0.37 [95% CI, 0.19 to 0.70]), showed them respect (OR, 0.36 [95% CI, 0.16 to 0.81]), and spent enough time with them (OR, 0.47 [95% CI, 0.26 to 0.86]). Significant associations with PEC were also found with MEPS psychological FT items on worry about paying medical bills, family's financial stability, and keeping job/income because of cancer. CONCLUSION Worry/anxiety regarding costs can be a major factor affecting individuals diagnosed with cancer. Improving patient-provider interactions to enhance patient experience of care may reduce psychological financial toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael T Halpern
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Health Delivery Research Program, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD
| | - Carla Thamm
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Reegan Knowles
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Raymond J Chan
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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McLoone J, Chan RJ, Varlow M, Whittaker K, Lindsay D, Thamm C, Leigh L, Muir L, Mackay G, Karikios DJ, Hunt L, Hobbs K, Goldsbury DE, Nabukalu D, Gordon LG. Challenges and solutions to cancer-related financial toxicity according to Australian health professionals: qualitative results from a national survey. Support Care Cancer 2023; 31:441. [PMID: 37402039 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-07875-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To qualitatively explore Australian healthcare professionals' perspectives on how to improve the care and management of cancer-related financial toxicity, including relevant practices, services, and unmet needs. METHODS We invited healthcare professionals (HCP) who currently provide care to people with cancer within their role to complete an online survey, which was distributed via the networks of Australian clinical oncology professional associations/organisations. The survey was developed by the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia's Financial Toxicity Working Group and contained 12 open-ended items which we analysed using descriptive content analysis and NVivo software. RESULTS HCPs (n = 277) believed that identifying and addressing financial concerns within routine cancer care was important and most believed this to be the responsibility of all HCP involved in the patient's care. However, financial toxicity was viewed as a "blind spot" within a medical model of healthcare, with a lack of services, resources, and training identified as barriers to care. Social workers reported assessment and advocacy were part of their role, but many reported lacking formal training and understanding of financial complexities/laws. HCPs reported positive attitudes towards transparent discussions of costs and actioning cost-reduction strategies within their control, but feelings of helplessness when they perceived no solution was available. CONCLUSION Identifying financial needs and providing transparent information about cancer-related costs was viewed as a cross-disciplinary responsibility, however, a lack of training and services limited the provision of support. Increased cancer-specific financial counselling and advocacy, via dedicated roles or developing HCPs' skills, is urgently needed within the healthcare system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordana McLoone
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital NSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
- Discipline of Paediatrics & Child Health, UNSW Medicine & Health, Randwick Clinical Campus, University of NSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Raymond J Chan
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Megan Varlow
- Cancer Council Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kate Whittaker
- Cancer Council Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Daniel Lindsay
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Herston, Australia
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Population Health Department, Brisbane, Herston, Australia
| | - Carla Thamm
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Lillian Leigh
- Rare Cancers Australia, Bowral, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Laura Muir
- Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gillian Mackay
- Clinical Oncology Society of Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Deme J Karikios
- Department of Medical Oncology, Nepean Hospital, Kingswood, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lee Hunt
- Cancer Voices NSW, Sydney NSW, Australia
| | - Kim Hobbs
- Oncology Social Work Australia & New Zealand/Westmead Hospital NSW, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David E Goldsbury
- The Daffodil Centre, University of Sydney, Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Doreen Nabukalu
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Population Health Department, Brisbane, Herston, Australia
| | - Louisa G Gordon
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Herston, Australia
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Population Health Department, Brisbane, Herston, Australia
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), School of Nursing and Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, Brisbane, Kelvin Grove, Australia
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So WKW, Au DWH, Chan DNS, Ng MSN, Choi KC, Xing W, Chan M, Mak SSS, Ho PS, Tong M, Au C, Ling WM, Chan M, Chan RJ. Financial well-being as a mediator of the relationship between multimorbidity and health-related quality of life in people with cancer. Cancer Med 2023; 12:15579-15587. [PMID: 37283252 PMCID: PMC10417171 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6204] [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: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is unknown whether financial well-being mediates the impact of multimorbidity on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of cancer patients. METHODS Participants were recruited from three outpatient oncology clinics of Hong Kong public hospitals. Multimorbidity was assessed using the Charlson Comorbidity Index. Financial well-being, the mediator of the association between multimorbidity and HRQoL outcomes, was assessed using the Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy. The HRQoL outcomes were assessed using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - General (FACT-G) and its four sub-dimensions. Mediation analyses were conducted using SPSS PROCESS v4.1. RESULTS Six-hundred and forty cancer patients participated in the study. Multimorbidity had a direct effect on FACT-G scores independent of financial well-being (β for path c' = -0.752, p < 0.001). In addition, multimorbidity had an indirect effect on FACT-G scores through its effect on financial well-being (β for path a = -0.517, p < 0.05; β for path b = 0.785, p < 0.001). Even after adjustments were made for the covariates, the indirect effect of multimorbidity on FACT-G via financial well-being remained significant, accounting for 38.0% of the overall effect, indicating partial mediation. Although there were no statistically significant associations between multimorbidity, social well-being, and emotional well-being, the indirect effects of multimorbidity on physical and functional well-being through financial well-being remained significant. CONCLUSIONS Poor financial well-being attributable to multimorbidity partially mediates the direct impact of chronic conditions on HRQoL in Chinese cancer patients, particularly their physical and functional well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winnie K. W. So
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of MedicineThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Doreen W. H. Au
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of MedicineThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongChina
- School of Nursing and Health StudiesHong Kong Metropolitan UniversityHong KongChina
| | - Dorothy N. S. Chan
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of MedicineThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Marques S. N. Ng
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of MedicineThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Kai Chow Choi
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of MedicineThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Weijie Xing
- School of NursingFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Mandy Chan
- Department of Clinical OncologyPrince of Wales HospitalHong KongChina
| | - Suzanne S. S. Mak
- Department of Clinical OncologyPrince of Wales HospitalHong KongChina
| | - Pui Shan Ho
- Department of Clinical OncologyTuen Mun HospitalHong KongChina
| | - Man Tong
- Department of Clinical OncologyTuen Mun HospitalHong KongChina
| | - Cecilia Au
- Department of Clinical OncologyPamela Youde Nethersole Eastern HospitalHong KongChina
| | - Wai Man Ling
- Department of Clinical OncologyPamela Youde Nethersole Eastern HospitalHong KongChina
| | | | - Raymond J. Chan
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health SciencesFlinders UniversityAdelaideAustralia
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Smith J, Yu J, Gordon LG, Chilkuri M. Financial Toxicity and Out-of-Pocket Costs for Patients with Head and Neck Cancer. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:4922-4935. [PMID: 37232829 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30050371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To quantify financial toxicity and out-of-pocket costs for patients with HNC in Australia and explore their relationship with health-related quality of life (HRQoL). METHODS A cross-sectional survey was administered to patients with HNC 1-3 years after radiotherapy at a regional hospital in Australia. The survey included questions on sociodemographics, out-of-pocket expenses, HRQoL, and the Financial Index of Toxicity (FIT) tool. The relationship between high financial toxicity scores (top quartile) and HRQoL was explored. RESULTS Of the 57 participants included in the study, 41 (72%) reported out-of-pocket expenses at a median of AUD 1796 (IQR AUD 2700) and a maximum of AUD 25,050. The median FIT score was 13.9 (IQR 19.5) and patients with high financial toxicity (n = 14) reported poorer HRQoL (76.5 vs. 114.5, p < 0.001). Patients who were not married had higher FIT scores (23.1 vs. 11.1, p = 0.01), as did those with lower education (19.3 vs. 11.1, p = 0.06). Participants with private health insurance had lower financial toxicity scores (8.3 vs. 17.6, p = 0.01). Medications (41%, median AUD 400), dietary supplements (41%, median AUD 600), travel (36%, median AUD 525), and dental (29%, AUD 388) were the most common out-of-pocket expenses. Participants living in rural locations (≥100 km from the hospital) had higher out-of-pocket expenses (AUD 2655 vs. AUD 730, p = 0.01). CONCLUSION Financial toxicity is associated with poorer HRQoL for many patients with HNC following treatment. Further research is needed to investigate interventions aimed at reducing financial toxicity and how these can best be incorporated into routine clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Smith
- Townsville University Hospital, Townsville, QLD 4814, Australia
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Justin Yu
- Townsville University Hospital, Townsville, QLD 4814, Australia
| | - Louisa G Gordon
- Health Economics, Population Health Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
- School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4059, Australia
| | - Madhavi Chilkuri
- Townsville University Hospital, Townsville, QLD 4814, Australia
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
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Sansom-Daly UM, McLoone JK, Touyz L, Signorelli C. New Frontiers in Child, Adolescent and Young Adult Psycho-Oncology Survivorship Care. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:4335. [PMID: 36139504 PMCID: PMC9496797 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14184335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The landscape of cancer survivorship has changed considerably from Fitzhugh Mullan's conceptualization of the three sequential phases or 'seasons of survival' that an individual might expect to pass through, from the acute (cancer diagnosis and treatment), extended (the period following treatment), and permanent (survivorship, aligned with cure) survivorship phases [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Ursula M. Sansom-Daly
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
- Discipline of Paediatrics & Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, Randwick Clinical Campus, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
- Sydney Youth Cancer Service, Nelune Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Jordana K. McLoone
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
- Discipline of Paediatrics & Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, Randwick Clinical Campus, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Lauren Touyz
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
- Discipline of Paediatrics & Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, Randwick Clinical Campus, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Christina Signorelli
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
- Discipline of Paediatrics & Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, Randwick Clinical Campus, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
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