C17
Financial impact of a cancer diagnosis for patients and their families: a qualitative study among oncology social workers and patients
Aileen Timmons1, Linda Sharp1, Noeleen Donnelly2, Joan Kelly2, John Mccormack2, Niamh Ni Chonghaile2, Eileen O'donnell3, Olwyn Ryan2, Harry Comber1
1National Cancer Registry, Cork, Ireland, 2Irish Cancer Society, Dublin, Ireland, 3St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
Background
Little is known about the financial impact of cancer on patients and their families. Patient support organizations and policy-makers lack rigorous data on which to base patient-targeted information or support services. We used qualitative methods to elucidate (1) the main elements of extra expenses incurred by cancer patients and (2) the consequences of these on the wider family.
Method
The study setting was Ireland, which has a mixed public-private healthcare system. Two sets of face-to-face interviews were conducted with hospital-based oncology social workers (OSWs), and patients with breast, lung and prostate cancer. 21 OSWs (11 hospitals) and 21 patients (12 breast, 5 prostate, and 4 lung cancer patients; 8 hospitals) took part. The interviews were semi-structured around topic guides, tape-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed by content analysis.
Results
Broad themes that emerged included: the main elements of additional expense (e.g. travel, utility bills), the impact on patients' ability to work; and difficulties in accessing medical cards (means tested and entitle the bearer to receive some medical services free of charge) and disability payments. Some particularly vulnerable patient groups were identified (e.g. patients with children). Participants made several recommendations to minimise patient hardship and improve services.
Conclusion
Cancer can have a significant financial impact for some patients and their families. Particular patient groups may be especially vulnerable. As well as revealing the types of additional expenses incurred by patients, this qualitative research has informed the development of instruments to quantify the financial impact of cancer on patients and their families.
