[Abstract] Empowering Healthcare Professionals to Proactively Address Cancer-Related Financial Toxicity

Presented by:
Hira Chowdhary, MPH MS; Lorna Lucas; Pam Rattananont Ferris, MPH; Lorna Lucas, MSM
Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC) – Rockville, Maryland

Abstract:

Over the past decade there have been tremendous clinical advances in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. With early detection, new and emerging therapeutic regimens, and an array of treatment modalities, the number of cancer survivors in the U.S. continues to grow. However, care costs have also increased. The 2017 Oncology Roundtable and ACCC Trending Now in Cancer Care survey of oncology program administrators and providers (n=293) highlights key trends that necessitate tools to support financial assistance services to ensure equitable access to quality care; more than half indicated recent investments in financial support programs, and the demand on financial advocates is increasing. The Financial Advocacy Boot Camp, launched by ACCC in 2017, is a learning module dedicated to preparing patients and providers to address the growing issue of financial toxicity. The program has graduated more than 500 healthcare professionals from 323 cancer care programs and practices in 47 states. ACCC conducted a nationwide census of cancer programs and their financial services. With more than 300 responses, we gathered information on the education levels, experience, and job titles of those working with patients to address financial toxicity. While experience in oncology varies, majority of respondents have less than 10 years experience in providing financial navigation services. Insights point towards a need for improved educational tools to empower providers to integrate financial health into the oncology care continuum, and help patients gain access to high quality care. Evaluation of learner's experience and educational attainment is ongoing, with the current number of enrollees close to 1,500.

Learning outcomes:

• Define cancer-related financial toxicity.
• Describe the impact of a web-based educational intervention on the financial well-being, quality of life, and survivorship of patients receiving cancer care in the United States.
• Define the current need for accessible financial advocacy training for health care professionals and the multidisciplinary cancer care team.
• List reasons to address the growing burden of cancer-related financial toxicity through educational interventions and peer-to-peer learning.
• Assess opportunities for improving financial health literacy to mitigate financial distress among patients, families and caregivers.
• Describe the role of an oncology financial advocate.

Target Audiences:

All members of the multidisciplinary cancer care team, across the continuum; i.e Public Health Advocates, Social Workers, Nurses, Patient Navigators, Lay Navigators, Community Health Workers, Financial Counselors, Health Care Providers, Multidisciplinary Cancer Care Team, Cancer Program Administrators and Providers, Quality Improvement Staff/Managers