Background:
Financial Toxicity (FT) in cancer is a negative patient-level impact of the cost of cancer and can cause both physical and psychological harms, affecting decisions which can lead to suboptimal cancer outcomes. To date, little evidence-based, impactful interventions have been developed and tested to eliminate or alleviate FT. We aim to identify innovative solutions to address financial toxicity (direct and indirect costs) associated with cancer and its treatment and to develop a roadmap to address financial toxicity in clinical care (including service delivery, and education), research and advocacy.
Methods:
A mixed-methods research methodology was utilised to address the aims of the project. The project is led by the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) FT Working Group as a collaboration between COSA and Flinders University. A national FT Think Tank was convened as a one-day, face-to-face, professionally-facilitated national workshop involving selected stakeholders. A pre-Think Tank online survey was conducted with key stakeholders to generate initial ideas to stimulate discussions at the at the National Think Tank. Low and negligible risk ethics approval was obtained prior to commencement.
Results and Discussion:
A total of 40 cancer consumers, health professionals, researchers, policy makers, and representatives from private health organisations, not-for-profit organisations, finance and industry attended the workshop. The data are being analysed and will be disseminated at the COSA ASM 2023.