Patient Perceptions of a Financial Resource Handout Following Gynecologic Cancer Diagnosis: A Mixed-Methods Study of Feasibility and Patient-Reported Utility

TL;DR

This study explores how a financial resource handout helps gynecologic cancer patients manage financial stress after diagnosis.

Contribution

The study introduces a novel mixed-methods approach to assess the feasibility and utility of a financial resource handout for cancer patients.

Findings

44.4% of participants reported high financial burden, but no differences in demographics or treatment characteristics were found.

Qualitative feedback on the handout was mostly positive or neutral, with some patients finding it helpful for planning financial impacts.

Patients with neutral responses felt their insurance and institutional support reduced the handout's impact.

Abstract

Introduction

This study aimed to evaluate and understand the perceived utility of a handout providing information about financial resources distributed to patients with diagnosed gynecologic malignancies.

Methods

We administered a survey querying patient perception of financial toxicity shortly after receiving a gynecologic cancer diagnosis and then provided a handout describing various financial resources for individuals with oncologic diagnoses. Information regarding patient demographics, oncologic characteristics, and treatment was collected. A subsequent survey was administered three to six months later, investigating the utility of the information provided in the handout. Multimethod analysis was done to evaluate the impact of the intervention.

Results

Twenty-seven participants participated in the study, with 12 participants (44.4%) having a high financial burden and 15 participants (55.6%) having a low financial burden. There were no differences in patient, oncologic, or treatment characteristics across those groups. Qualitative experience of the handout intervention was entirely positive or neutral, with no differences in intervention perception between groups. The positive responses described perceived benefits of the study for certain individuals, while the remaining neutral responses mentioned high levels of insurance coverage and experiencing support from the medical team.

Conclusion

Financial toxicity represents a meaningful source of concern and challenge for patients with gynecologic malignancies. By providing the handout, a subset of patients described meaningful anticipatory benefits, including planning for employment disruption and retirement. Patients with neutral responses to the intervention cited their comprehensive insurance coverage and existing institutional support as obviating the maximal positive impact of the handout. Further research should explore additional interventions for supporting patients with gynecologic malignancies.