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  • O.32.2 - Providers’ Communi...
    Nair, Mrudula; Eggly, Susan

    Patient education and counseling, April 2023, Letnik: 109
    Journal Article

    Oncology providers in the U.S. are increasingly responsible for helping patients manage the financial impact of cancer; however, their experiences and perspectives have not been studied systematically. This work describes the communication-related concerns of U.S. oncology providers who address financial issues. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 10 providers (oncologists, social workers, navigators, attorneys) who assist patients in accessing resources and/or information related to the financial impacts of cancer in their professional roles. Interview topics included cost-related concerns of patients, how providers address those concerns, resources providers use to assist patients, and unmet needs related to addressing financial issues. Two authors (TH, MN) iteratively examined transcripts to identify themes, developed codes, and coded transcripts. Communication related to addressing financial concerns was a main theme; however, its expression differed by provider type. Oncologists endorsed lack of time as a barrier to fully communicating about financial issues and instead preferred to refer patients to social workers or to a specialty pharmacy for assistance. Social workers and navigators identified lack of knowledge of individual patients’ ultimate out-of-pocket costs as a barrier to providing timely and accurate information and resources. Timing of communication around financial issues was a concern for several providers. Attorneys expressed the importance of discussing financial concerns and resources as soon as possible after diagnosis so that patients can make informed decisions related to insurance and employment. Financial navigators, meanwhile, reported the need to build a relationship with patients before communicating about financial issues or resources to prevent patients believing they are trying to collect money or refusing assistance because of a self-image as someone who does not take “charity”. Clinical interventions to address the financial impacts of cancer will benefit from understanding the distinct roles and communication concerns of oncology providers who help patients address these concerns.