“I wish I knew about these programs before!” A brief report exploring barriers to financial assistance reported by gynecological oncology patients Journal Article
| Authors: | Doherty, M.; Jacoby, J.; Gany, F. |
| Article Title: | “I wish I knew about these programs before!” A brief report exploring barriers to financial assistance reported by gynecological oncology patients |
| Abstract: | Purpose: Despite widespread reports of cancer-related financial hardship, hospital financial assistance programs are underutilized. Approach: Rapid qualitative research. Sample: Gynecologic oncology patients with recurrent or metastatic disease, under 65 years old, and Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity of 26 or under. Methods: Semi-structured interviews to elicit (1) financial assistance awareness/knowledge, (2) barriers to accessing assistance, and (3) suggestions for improving access. We analyzed the transcripts using thematic analysis: open coding, consensus building/codebook, and identification of salient themes. Findings: We interviewed 25 patients and identified four barriers and three suggestions for improving access. Barriers: lack of awareness, perceptions of ineligibility, fear of negative consequences, and being overwhelmed. Suggestions: simplifying financial processes, providing individualized assistance, and being more proactive by intervening earlier. Conclusion: Increase access by reducing stigma, misconceptions, and more proactively engaging at-risk patients. Implications for psychosocial providers: Patients may be too afraid or overwhelmed to ask for help. A more proactive, psychosocial approach is needed. © 2022 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. |
| Keywords: | clinical article; aged; metastasis; oncology; genital neoplasms, female; financial management; health care utilization; electronic medical record; scoring system; interview; social welfare; fear; awareness; gynecology; qualitative research; health care access; female genital tract tumor; semi structured interview; thematic analysis; coding; female genital tract cancer; social stigma; charity care; humans; human; female; article; financial toxicity; financial burden; financial distress; suggestion; cost of care; financial hardship; comprehensive score for financial toxicity; financial stress; gynecology oncology; financial assistance |
| Journal Title: | Journal of Psychosocial Oncology |
| Volume: | 41 |
| Issue: | 5 |
| ISSN: | 0734-7332 |
| Publisher: | Taylor & Francis Group |
| Date Published: | 2023-01-01 |
| Start Page: | 493 |
| End Page: | 501 |
| Language: | English |
| DOI: | 10.1080/07347332.2022.2149374 |
| PUBMED: | 36514954 |
| PROVIDER: | scopus |
| PMCID: | PMC10322634 |
| DOI/URL: | |
| Notes: | Article -- Source: Scopus |
