Financial Concerns About Participation in Clinical Trials Among Patients With Cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Health Services Research
• Decision Science

Background:

• Clinical trial enrollment involves complex decisions with uncertain outcomes.
• Patients frequently experience financial concerns impacting their decision-making process.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between financial concerns and the quality of decision-making in patients considering clinical trials.
• To understand how financial worries affect patient preparedness, self-efficacy, distress, and decisional conflict.

Main Methods:

• Secondary analysis of a randomized trial involving a web-based educational tool for cancer patients.
• Utilized baseline questionnaire data on financial concerns (Likert scales) and sociodemographic characteristics.
• Employed multiple linear regressions to assess associations with self-efficacy, preparation, distress, and decisional conflict.

Main Results:

• 1,211 patients completed financial concern questions; 27% were aged 65+.
• Greater financial concern correlated with lower self-efficacy and preparation for decision-making.
• Increased financial concerns were linked to higher decisional conflict and distress (P < .001).

Conclusions:

• Financial concerns are linked to psychological factors that can impair clinical trial decision quality.
• Addressing patients' financial needs is crucial for reducing distress and enhancing decision-making in clinical trials.