University of Washington, 925 Eastlake Ave E, MS G4-830, Seattle, WA 98109. E-mail:
Am J Manag Care. 2017 Mar;23(3 Suppl):S58-S64.
Although patients with cancer often face serious financial hardships, few studies have reported on strategies to mitigate this burden. Improving literacy about the financial aspects of cancer care may decrease the negative financial impact of cancer diagnosis and treatment. We obtained input from patient stakeholders on the perceived value and optimal design of a financial literacy program in the advanced cancer setting.
Prospective cohort survey.
A series of semi-structured interviews were conducted, during which patients with either colorectal or breast cancer were asked to describe the impact of cancer on their finances and employment, to state their preferences about discussing costs with their providers, and to give input on development of a financial literacy course.
Twenty-one patients (76% Caucasian) completed interviews, the majority of whom had Medicare or commercial insurance (71%). Lost income from early retirement or disability was the most financially burdensome experience for 67% of patients. The majority of patients (76%) reported that a financial literacy course would be helpful in navigating the cost of cancer care. Most preferred the course be administered at diagnosis in a live group format.
Feedback from patients with cancer supported the development of a group financial literacy course that addresses barriers to discussing cost concerns, employment changes during cancer, and available resources for financial assistance.
尽管癌症患者经常面临严重的经济困难，但鲜有研究报告减轻这一负担的策略。提高对癌症护理财务方面的认识，可能会降低癌症诊断和治疗的负面财务影响。我们从患者利益相关者那里获得了有关先进癌症环境中金融扫盲计划的感知价值和最佳设计的意见。
前瞻性队列调查。
进行了一系列半结构化访谈，在此期间，要求患有结直肠癌或乳腺癌的患者描述癌症对其财务和就业的影响，说明他们与医疗服务提供者讨论费用的偏好，并就金融扫盲课程的开发提供意见。
21 名患者（76%为白种人）完成了访谈，其中大多数人拥有医疗保险或商业保险（71%）。提前退休或残疾导致的收入损失是 67%患者最具经济负担的经历。大多数患者（76%）表示金融扫盲课程有助于了解癌症护理的费用。大多数人更喜欢在诊断时以现场小组形式开设该课程。
癌症患者的反馈支持开发一个团体金融扫盲课程，该课程旨在解决讨论成本问题、癌症期间的就业变化以及获取财务援助的资源等障碍。
