Financial hardship: A qualitative study exploring perspectives of seriously ill patients and their family

Financial hardship: A qualitative study exploring perspectives of seriously ill patients and their family
Journal of Pain and Symptom Management; by Danae G. Dotolo, Christina Clare Pytel, Elizabeth L. Nielsen, Jennifer Im, Ruth A. Engelberg, Nita Khandelwal; 11/24
Our analysis revealed three themes: 1) Prioritizing Survival and Recovery; 2) Living with Uncertainty—including experiences of prolonged uncertainty, navigating bureaucratic barriers, and long-term worries; and 3) Preferences for Financial Guidance. Our results suggest patients and families prioritize survival over financial hardship initially, and feelings of uncertainty about finances persist. However, patients and family caregivers are reluctant to have their physicians address financial hardship.