Implementing and Evaluating a Pilot Interprofessional Training Program to Engage Health Care Teams in Cost of Care Conversations.

INTRODUCTION

This study evaluated the impact of F inancial and I nsurance N avigation Assist ance- Train ing - a pilot interprofessional training program to facilitate cost of care (CoC) conversations and address health-harming social determinants of health in a pediatric hematology-oncology clinic.

METHODS

A pre-post study design was used to evaluate the impact of F inancial and I nsurance N avigation Assist ance- Train ing on an interprofessional health care team's (clinicians, social workers, financial navigator, and legal advocates) knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to CoC conversations and screening, referring, and collaborating with interprofessional team members. Data were collected via surveys administered at baseline/pretraining, immediate post-training, and 12-month post-training.

RESULTS

Most health care team members (n= 21) reported improvement in their knowledge of available financial (66.7%) and legal resources (86.7%) and ability to address social needs (93.3%), financial needs (93.3%), and facilitate CoC conversations with patients and caregivers (66.7%).

DISCUSSION

Improvements in attitudes and behaviors toward engaging in CoC conversations, screenings, and referrals were relatively improved as a result of the training. However, there was a lower positive rate for actual behaviors around routine screening and initiating discussions on out-of-pocket costs, suggesting a need to address barriers. Study findings highlight the importance of interprofessional education in helping health care teams address social determinants of health through effective CoC conversations.