scholarly journals Identifying missing links in the conceptualization of financial toxicity: a qualitative study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara L. Lueckmann ◽  
Nadine Schumann ◽  
Christoph Kowalski ◽  
Matthias Richter
Keyword(s):  
Financial Distress ◽  
Financial Burden ◽  
Subjective Evaluation ◽  
Subjective Assessment ◽  
Patient Reported Outcome ◽  
Financial Toxicity ◽  
Perceived Burden ◽  
Conceptual Clarity ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Purpose Financial toxicity can have a major impact on the quality of life of cancer survivors but lacks conceptual clarity and understanding of the interrelationships of the various aspects that constitute financial toxicity. This study aims to extract major drivers and mediators along the pathway from cancer-related costs to subjective financial distress from the patients’ experiences to establish a better understanding of financial toxicity as a patient-reported outcome. Methods Qualitative semistructured interviews with 39 cancer patients were conducted in Germany and addressed patient experiences with cancer-related financial burden and distress in a country with a statutory health care system. Transcripts were analyzed using content analysis. Results Several aspects of financial burden need to be considered to understand financial toxicity. The assessment of the ability to make ends meet now or in the future and the subjective evaluation of financial adjustments—namely, the burden of applied financial adjustments and the availability of financial adjustment options—mediate the connection between higher costs and subjective financial distress. Moreover, bureaucracy can influence financial distress through a feeling of helplessness during interactions with authorities because of high effort, non-traceable decisions, or one’s own lack of knowledge. Conclusion We identified four factors that mediate the impact of higher costs on financial distress that should be addressed in further studies and targeted by changes in policies and support measures. Financial toxicity is more complex than previously thought and should be conceptualized and understood more comprehensively in measurements, including the subjective assessment of available adjustment options and perceived burden of financial adjustments.

Patient-reported benefit from proposed interventions to reduce financial hardship during cancer treatment.

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 7080-7080
Author(s):  
Emeline Aviki ◽  
Fumiko Chino ◽  
Julia Ramirez ◽  
Victoria Susana Blinder ◽  
Jennifer Jean Mueller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Treatment ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Financial Burden ◽  
Gynecologic Cancer ◽  
Financial Hardship ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Financial Toxicity ◽  
The Past ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
The Impact

7080 Background: Awareness of cancer patients’ financial toxicity (FT) has increased substantially over the past decade; however, interventions to minimize financial burden remain underdeveloped and understudied. This survey-based study explores patient beliefs on which potential mitigating strategies could improve their financial hardship during cancer treatment. Methods: Interviewer-administered surveys were conducted with consecutive patients in an outpatient, urban, private academic Gynecologic Cancer clinic waiting room for 2 weeks in August 2019. The survey items included patient demographics, disease characteristics, the Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity (COST) tool (validated measure of FT with score 0-44; lower scores indicate worse FT), assessment of cost-coping strategies, and patient-reported anticipated benefit from described potential interventions (items that were feasible and relevant to implement in clinic). Results: Of 101 patients who initiated the survey, 87 (86%) completed it and were included in this analysis. The median age was 66 (range, 32-87). Thirty-eight patients (44%) had ovarian, 29 (33%) uterine, 5 (6%) cervical, and 15 (17%) an “other” gynecologic cancer. The median COST score was 32 (range, 6-44). Twenty-nine patients (33%) had COST scores ≤25 and 16 (18%) had COST scores ≤18. The most frequent cost-coping strategy reported was reducing leisure activities (n = 36, 41%) and using savings to pay for medical bills (n = 34, 39%). Six patients (7%) reported not taking a prescribed medication in the past 12 months due to the inability to pay and 0 reported skipping a recommended imaging study. When it came to interventions patients anticipated would improve their current financial hardships, 34 (39%) indicated access to transportation assistance to and from appointments, 31 (36%) said “knowing up front how much I’m going to have to pay for my healthcare”, 29 (33%) indicated “minimizing wait time associated with appointments, which keeps me away from work”, and 22 (25%) indicated “access to free food during/around appointments and treatments”. Only 26 (30%) noted they were not experiencing financial hardship. Conclusions: For an outpatient population of gynecologic cancer patients, several focused, feasible interventions could be implemented to potentially decrease patient FT. Our study can help health care providers in the design of interventions to create meaningful improvements in patient financial burden. Next steps should assess the impact of targeted interventions on patient outcomes.

scholarly journals Development and validation of a patient-reported outcome tool to assess cancer-related financial toxicity in Italy: a protocol

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. e031485 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia Riva ◽  
Jane Bryce ◽  
Francesco De Lorenzo ◽  
Laura Del Campo ◽  
Massimo Di Maio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Financial Burden ◽  
External Validation ◽  
Patient Reported Outcome ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Financial Toxicity ◽  
Internal Validation ◽  
Concept Elicitation ◽  
Research Guidelines ◽  
Patient Reported

IntroductionFinancial toxicity (FT) is a well-recognised problem in oncology. US-based studies have shown that: (a) cancer patients have a 2.7 times risk of bankruptcy; (b) patients who declare bankruptcy have a 79% greater hazard of death; (c) financial burden significantly impairs quality of life (QoL) and (d) reduces compliance and adherence to treatment prescriptions. The aim of the project is to develop and validate a patient-reported-outcome (PRO) measure to assess FT of cancer patients in Italy, where, despite the universal health coverage provided by the National Health Service, FT is an emerging issue.Methods and analysisOur hypothesis is that a specific FT measure, which considers the relevant sociocultural context and healthcare system, would allow us to understand the main determinants of cancer-related FT in Italy, in order to address and reduce these factors. According to the International Society for Pharmaco-economics and Outcomes Research guidelines on PROs, the project will include the following steps: (1) concept elicitation (from focus groups with patients and caregivers; literature; oncologists; nurses) and analysis, creating a coding library; (2) item generation (using a format that includes a question and a response on a 4-point Likert scale) and analysis through patients’ cognitive interviews of item importance within different coding categories to produce the draft instrument; (3) factor analysis and internal validation (with Cronbach’s alpha and test–retest for reliability) to produce the final instrument; (4) external validation with QoL anchors and depression scales. The use of the FT measure in prospective trials is also planned.Ethics and disseminationThe protocol is approved by the ethical committees of all the participating centres. The project will tentatively produce a validated tool by the spring 2021. The project might also represent a model and the basis for future cooperation with other European countries, with different healthcare systems and socioeconomic conditions.Trial registration numberNCT03473379.

Optimizing electronic capture of patient-reported outcome measures in oncology clinical trials: lessons learned from a qualitative study

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (17) ◽  
pp. 1195-1204
Author(s):  
Florence D Mowlem ◽  
Brad Sanderson ◽  
Jill V Platko ◽  
Bill Byrom
Keyword(s):  
Patient Reported Outcome Measures ◽  
Patient Reported Outcome ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Oncology Clinical Trials ◽  
Anticancer Treatment ◽  
Fit For Purpose ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Electronic Implementation

Aim: To understand the impact of anticancer treatment on oncology patients’ ability to use electronic solutions for completing patient-reported outcomes (ePRO). Materials & methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven individuals who had experienced a cancer diagnosis and treatment. Results: Participants reported that the following would impact the ability to interact with an ePRO solution: peripheral neuropathy of the hands (4/7), fatigue and/or concentration and memory issues (6/7), where they are in a treatment cycle (5/7). Approaches to improve usability included: larger, well-spaced buttons to deal with finger numbness, the ability to pause a survey and complete at a later point and presenting the recall period with every question to reduce reliance on memory. Conclusion: Symptoms associated with cancers and anticancer treatments can impact the use of technologies. The recommendations for optimizing the electronic implementation of patient-reported outcome instruments in this population provides the potential to improve data quality in oncology trials and places patient needs at the forefront to ensure ‘fit-for-purpose’ solutions.

scholarly journals Development of a patient-reported outcome measure for neck pain in military aircrew: qualitative interviews to inform design and content

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. e039488
Author(s):  
Anna Dowling ◽  
Ellen Slungaard ◽  
Nicola R Heneghan
Keyword(s):  
Neck Pain ◽  
Outcome Measure ◽  
Physical Symptoms ◽  
Patient Reported Outcome ◽  
Direct Access ◽  
Specific Patient ◽  
Concept Elicitation ◽  
Patient Reported Outcome Measure ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
The Impact

IntroductionThe prevalence of flight-related neck pain is 70% in UK fast jet pilots; much higher than the general population. The Aircrew Conditioning Programme and direct access physiotherapy exist to minimise the impact on military capability, but a population specific patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) is required to investigate the effectiveness of these. We aimed to explore the experiences of flight-related neck pain to inform the content validity and development of a population specific PROM.MethodsQualitative semistructured interviews combining phenomenological and grounded theory methods, reported using Consolidated criteria for Reporting Qualitative research guidelines. A purposive sample of 10 fast jet pilots with neck pain was recruited. Concept elicitation interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim along with field notes. Data analysis involved subject and methodological expertise used a concept elicitation approach.ResultsParticipants included 10 male fast jet pilots, age 34.7 years. Identified themes included: (1) physical symptoms associated with flying activities; (2) occupational effects revealed modifications of flying, or ‘suboptimal’ performance owing to neck pain; (3) psychological effects revealed feelings or worry and (4) social and activity effects showed impact on out of work time.ConclusionPopulation-specific occupational, psychological and social factors should be considered alongside physical symptoms when managing neck pain in military aircrew. Findings support the development of a PROM specifically designed for military aircrew with neck pain.

Correlation between nasal mucosal temperature change and the perception of nasal patency: a literature review

2021 ◽  
Vol 135 (2) ◽  
pp. 104-109
Author(s):  
R Tjahjono ◽  
N Singh
Keyword(s):  
Temperature Change ◽  
Outcome Measure ◽  
Patient Reported Outcome ◽  
Subjective Perception ◽  
Nasal Patency ◽  
Patient Reported Outcome Measure ◽  
Physical Measurements ◽  
Pubmed Database ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
The Impact

AbstractBackgroundThe mechanism of nasal airflow sensation is poorly understood. This study aimed to examine the role of nasal mucosal temperature change in the subjective perception of nasal patency and the methods by which it can be quantified.MethodMedline and PubMed database searches were performed to retrieve literature relevant to the topic.ResultsThe primary mechanism producing the sensation of nasal patency is thought to be the activation of transient receptor potential melastatin family member 8 (‘TRPM8’), a thermoreceptor that is activated by nasal mucosal cooling. Computational fluid dynamics studies have demonstrated that increased airflow and heat flux are correlated with better patient-reported outcome measure scores. Similarly, physical measurements of the nasal cavity using temperature probes have shown a correlation between lower nasal mucosal temperatures and better patient-reported outcome measure scores.ConclusionNasal mucosal temperature change may be correlated with the perception of improved nasal patency. Future research should quantify the impact of mucosal cooling on the perception of nasal airway obstruction.

Nonunion Rates After Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: Comparison of Polyetheretherketone vs Structural Allograft Implants

Neurosurgery ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Won Hyung A Ryu ◽  
Dominick Richards ◽  
Mena G Kerolus ◽  
Adewale A Bakare ◽  
Ryan Khanna ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Smoking Status ◽  
Posterior Instrumentation ◽  
Patient Reported Outcome ◽  
Anterior Cervical Discectomy ◽  
Successful Outcome ◽  
Cervical Discectomy ◽  
Structural Allograft ◽  
Modifiable Factors ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
The Impact

Abstract BACKGROUND Although advances in implant materials, such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK), have been developed aimed to improve outcome after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), it is essential to confirm whether these changes translate into clinically important sustained benefits. OBJECTIVE To compare the radiographic and clinical outcomes of patients undergoing up to 3-level ACDF with PEEK vs structural allograft implants. METHODS In this cohort study, radiographic and symptomatic nonunion rates were compared in consecutive patients who underwent 1 to 3 level ACDF with allograft or PEEK implant. Prospectively collected clinical data and patient-reported outcome (PRO) scores were compared between the allograft and PEEK groups. Regression analysis was performed to determine the predictors of nonunion. RESULTS In total, 194 of 404 patients met the inclusion criteria (79% allograft vs 21% PEEK). Preoperative demographic variables were comparable between the 2 groups except for age. The rate of radiographic nonunion was higher with PEEK implants (39% vs 27%, P = .0035). However, a higher proportion of nonunion in the allograft cohort required posterior instrumentation (14% vs 3%, P = .039). Patients with multilevel procedures and PEEK implants had up to 5.8 times the risk of radiographic nonunion, whereas younger patients, active smokers, and multilevel procedures were at higher risk of symptomatic nonunion. CONCLUSION Along with implant material, factors such as younger age, active smoking status, and the number of operated levels were independent predictors of fusion failure. Given the impact of nonunion on PRO, perioperative optimization of modifiable factors and surgical planning are essential to ensure a successful outcome.

Financial Toxicity During Breast Cancer Treatment: A Qualitative Analysis to Inform Strategies for Mitigation

2021 ◽  
pp. OP.21.00182
Author(s):  
Laila A. Gharzai ◽  
Kerry A. Ryan ◽  
Lauren Szczygiel ◽  
Susan Goold ◽  
Grace Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Treatment ◽  
Financial Distress ◽  
Ductal Carcinoma ◽  
Financial Burden ◽  
Unmet Need ◽  
Metastatic Breast ◽  
Financial Toxicity ◽  
Knowledge Gaps ◽  
Treatment Expectations

PURPOSE: Financial toxicity from cancer treatment is a growing concern. Its impact on patients requires refining our understanding of this phenomenon. We sought to characterize patients' experiences of financial toxicity in the context of an established framework to identify knowledge gaps and strategies for mitigation. METHODS: Semistructured interviews with patients with breast cancer who received financial aid from a philanthropic organization during treatment were conducted from February to May 2020. Interviews were transcribed and coded until thematic saturation was reached, and findings were contextualized within an existing financial toxicity framework. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients were interviewed, of whom 58% were non-Hispanic White. The mean age was 46 years. Diagnoses ranged from ductal carcinoma in situ to metastatic breast cancer. Concordant with an established framework, we found that direct and indirect costs determined objective financial burden and subjective financial distress stemmed from psychosocial, behavioral, and material impact of diagnosis and treatment. We identified expectations as a novel theme affecting financial toxicity. We identified knowledge gaps in treatment expectations, provider conversations, identification of resources, and support-finding and offer strategies for mitigating financial toxicity on the basis of participant responses, such as leveraging support from decision aids and allied providers. CONCLUSION: This qualitative study confirms an existing framework for understanding financial toxicity and identifies treatment expectations as a novel theme affecting both objective financial burden and subjective financial distress. Four knowledge gaps are identified, and strategies for mitigating financial toxicity are offered. Mitigating patients' financial toxicity is an important unmet need in optimizing cancer treatment.

Do patient and proxy agree? Long-term changes in multiple sclerosis physical impact and walking ability on patient-reported outcome scales

2014 ◽  
Vol 20 (12) ◽  
pp. 1616-1623 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judith M Sonder ◽  
Lisanne J Balk ◽  
Libertje VAE Bosma ◽  
Chris H Polman ◽  
Bernard MJ Uitdehaag
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Patient Reported Outcome ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Walking Ability ◽  
Impact Scale ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Proxy Responses ◽  
Physical Impact ◽  
The Impact

Background: Patient-reported outcome scales (PROs) are useful in monitoring changes in multiple sclerosis (MS) over time. Although these scales are reliable and valid measures in longitudinal studies in MS patients, it is unknown what the impact is when obtaining longitudinal data from proxies. Objective: The objective of this paper is to compare longitudinal changes in patient and proxy responses on PROs assessing physical impact of MS and walking ability. Methods: In a prospective observational study, data on the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29 physical) and Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale (MSWS-12) were obtained from 137 patient-proxy couples at baseline and at two-year follow-up. Demographic and disease-related variables explaining agreement or disagreement between patients and proxies were investigated using linear regression analyses. Results: Full agreement was found in 56% (MSIS) and 62% (MSWS) of the patient-proxy couples. Complete disagreement was very rare for both scales (2% MSIS, 5% MSWS). When patients were more positive than proxies, a higher age, longer disease duration, longer patient-proxy relationship and increased levels of depression, anxiety and caregiver burden in proxies were observed. Conclusion: In the majority of the patient-proxy couples there was agreement. Proxies can serve as a valuable source of information, but caution remains essential when using scores from proxies.

Creation of a Tool to Evaluate Supportive Care: Experiences from Socioesthetics

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Damien Giacchero ◽  
Guillaume Buiret ◽  
Cecile Grosjean ◽  
CHARLES TAIEB ◽  
Mahasti Saghatchian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Supportive Care ◽  
External Validation ◽  
Care Patient ◽  
Patient Reported Outcome ◽  
Measurement Properties ◽  
Research Teams ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Published Research

Abstract The absence of a specific tool to evaluate the impact of Supportive care in general and socioesthetics in particular as a rendered medical service is undoubtedly at the origin of the lack of published research based on scientific standards.In this context, we developed one supportive-care patient-reported outcome [PRO] using the multistep methods following COSMIN recommendations. Its construction followed all recommended steps: elaboration of the questionnaire, measurement properties of the questionnaire, internal and external validation, test-retest validation and translation, cross-cultural adaptation and cognitive debriefing. In total, our questionnaire includes11 items. It is scored by adding each VAS, making it range from 0 to 110, with a higher benefit when the score is higher. The Cronbach’s α coefficient is 0.88 for the entire questionnaire. The questionnaire thus constructed is a reflection of the patient's feelings, and it is quite natural that the name The “patient centricity questionnaire” (PCQ) was retained and validated by the Scientific Committee. The PCQ correlated negatively and moderately with the PSS, positively and moderately with the mental dimension of the and poorly with the WB12, the physical dimension of the SF-12 and the satisfaction EVA. Constructed according to the recommendations, the PCQ meets the prerequisite for this type of questionnaire. Its short format (11 questions) and simplicity of use allow it to be used by a large number of people and provides an pragmatic answer by making available to research teams a simple, reliable, easy-to-use and validated tool. It makes possible randomized studies to prove the impact on quality of life of the Supportive care in general and socioesthetics" in particular.

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