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Patients' views of a behavioral intervention including financial incentives

Judy A Shea1, Aderinola Adejare, Kevin G Volpp

  • 1Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 1229 Blockley Hall, 423 Guardian Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19104.

The American Journal of Managed Care
|August 18, 2017
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Patient financial incentives for health goals are acceptable. Most participants found incentives motivating and reported positive experiences, with no significant impact on the doctor-patient relationship.

Area of Science:

  • Health behavior interventions
  • Patient-centered outcomes research
  • Clinical trial design

Background:

  • Financial incentives are increasingly used in clinical trials to improve patient outcomes.
  • Concerns exist regarding the impact of financial incentives on the doctor-patient relationship.
  • Patient perspectives on these interventions are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine patient perceptions of a combined behavioral and financial incentive intervention for lowering LDL cholesterol.
  • To assess patient views on benefits, challenges, and the effect on their relationship with primary care physicians (PCPs).

Main Methods:

  • Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with patients post-intervention.
  • Patients were recruited from a multicenter trial involving primary care practices in the northeastern United States.
  • Interviews explored motivations for enrollment, intervention effectiveness, challenges, and PCP relationship impact.

Main Results:

  • Patients reported positive experiences, with 65% describing personal health changes and 61% noting increased awareness.
  • Seventy-one percent found financial incentives motivating, though 36% felt they made no difference.
  • Lifestyle and dietary changes were identified as significant challenges.

Conclusions:

  • Behavioral interventions incorporating financial incentives are socially acceptable to patients.
  • Adherence monitoring and financial incentives were well-received by participants.
  • Study participation had minimal impact on the physician-patient relationship.

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