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Self-reported financial barriers to care among patients with cardiovascular-related chronic conditions
David J T Campbell1, Kathryn King-Shier1, Brenda R Hemmelgarn1
1University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta.
Insights
Financial barriers significantly impact medication adherence and health outcomes for individuals with chronic conditions. These barriers increase emergency visits and hospitalizations, highlighting a critical gap in healthcare access.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Health Economics
Background:
- Individuals with chronic conditions face risks when therapeutic targets are unmet.
- Financial barriers represent a significant obstacle to achieving health goals.
- This study focuses on financial barriers in cardiovascular chronic conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine self-reported financial barriers to healthcare.
- To assess the impact of these barriers on medication use and health outcomes.
- To identify specific financial challenges faced by patients with cardiovascular conditions.
Main Methods:
- A population-based survey of 1,849 western Canadians with cardiovascular conditions.
- Analysis of associations between financial barriers and statin use.
- Assessment of links between financial barriers, medication adherence, and healthcare utilization (emergency visits/hospitalizations).
Main Results:
- Over 10% reported general financial barriers; 14% lacked drug insurance.
- Financial barriers to medications were linked to reduced statin use and increased medication discontinuation.
- General financial barriers increased emergency department visits or hospitalizations by 70%.
Conclusions:
- Self-reported financial barriers are associated with decreased medication use.
- Financial constraints correlate with a higher likelihood of emergency department visits and hospitalizations.
- Addressing financial barriers is crucial for improving health outcomes in chronic conditions.
Background:
People with chronic conditions who do not achieve therapeutic targets have a higher risk of adverse health outcomes. Failure to meet these targets may be due to a variety of barriers. This article examines self-reported financial barriers to health care among people with cardiovascular-related chronic conditions.
Data And Methods:
A population-based survey was administered to western Canadians with cardiovascular-related chronic conditions (n = 1,849). Associations between self-reported financial barriers and statin use, the likelihood of stopping use of prescribed medications, and emergency department visits or hospitalizations were assessed.
Results:
More than 10% respondents reported general financial barriers (12%) and lack of drug insurance (14%); 4% reported financial barriers to accessing medications. Emergency department visits or hospitalizations were 70% more likely among those reporting a general financial barrier. Those reporting a financial barrier to medications were 50% less likely to take statins and three times more likely to stop using prescribed medications. Individuals without drug insurance were nearly 30% less likely to take statins.
Interpretation:
In this population, self-reported financial barriers were associated with lower medication use and increased likelihood of emergency department visits or hospitalization.
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