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Barriers to Medication Access in Pediatric Oncology in the United States

Michael J Kelly1, Lillian Sung2, David S Dickens3,4

  • 1Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, The Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA.

Journal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
|August 21, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Barriers to medication access, including prior authorization (PA) requests, frequently delay or alter pediatric cancer treatments. These delays negatively impact patient care and cause significant emotional distress for families.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Health Services Research
  • Pediatric Care

Background:

  • Timely access to medications is critical for effective pediatric oncology treatment.
  • Barriers to medication access in pediatric cancer care are not well-documented.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the impact of medication access barriers on pediatric oncology treatment.
  • To identify common challenges faced by healthcare providers in accessing prescribed medications for pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

  • A survey was administered to pediatric oncology healthcare providers at National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program sites.
  • The survey collected data on medication acquisition difficulties, prior authorization (PA) requests, insurance denials, and patient copays in calendar year 2016.

Main Results:

  • Prior authorization (PA) requests were the most frequent issue, causing deviations or delays in treatment for at least 61% of respondents.
  • Half of the respondents believed PA-induced delays negatively impacted patient care.
  • Two-thirds of respondents reported that therapy delays due to medication access barriers caused psychological or emotional distress for patients and families.

Conclusions:

  • Barriers to medication access, particularly PA requests, are prevalent in pediatric oncology.
  • These barriers can lead to suboptimal care and significant emotional burden for pediatric cancer patients and their families.

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