Abstract
Perspectives of cancer survivors, caregivers, and social workers as key stakeholders on the clinical management of financial toxicity (FT) are critical to identify opportunities for better FT management. Semi-structured interviews (cancer survivors, caregivers) and a focus group (social workers) were undertaken using purposive sampling at a quaternary public hospital in Australia. People with any cancer diagnosis attending the hospital were eligible. Data were analysed using inductive-deductive content analysis techniques. Twenty-two stakeholders (n = 10 cancer survivors of mixed-cancer types, n = 5 caregivers, and n = 7 social workers) participated. Key findings included: (i) genuine concern for FT of cancer survivors and caregivers shown through practical support by health care and social workers; (ii) need for clarity of role and services; (iii) importance of timely information flow; and (iv) proactive navigation as a priority. While cancer survivors and caregivers received financial assistance and support from the hospital, the lack of synchronised, shared understanding of roles and services in relation to finance between cancer survivors, caregivers, and health professionals undermined the effectiveness and consistency of these services. A proactive approach to anticipate cancer survivors’ and caregivers’ needs is recommended. Future research may develop and evaluate initiatives to manage cancer survivors and families FT experiences and outcomes.
RAS ID
54097
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
10-1-2022
Volume
29
Issue
10
Funding Information
National Health and Medical Research Council
PubMed ID
36290886
School
School of Medical and Health Sciences
Grant Number
NHMRC Number : APP1194051
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Publisher
MDPI
Recommended Citation
Longo, C. J., Gordon, L. G., Nund, R. L., Hart, N. H., Teleni, L., Thamm, C., Hollingdrake, O., Crawford-Williams, F., Koczwara, B., Ownsworth, T., Born, S., Schoonbeek, S., Stone, L., Barrett, C., & Chan, R. J. (2022). Clinical management of financial toxicity - identifying opportunities through experiential insights of cancer survivors, caregivers, and social workers. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol29100609
Comments
Longo, C. J., Gordon, L. G., Nund, R. L., Hart, N. H., Teleni, L., Thamm, C., ... & Chan, R. J. (2022). Clinical management of financial toxicity - identifying opportunities through experiential insights of cancer survivors, caregivers, and social workers. Current Oncology, 29(10), 7705-7717. https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol29100609