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Financial difficulties and patient-reported outcomes among patients with advanced heart failure

Chetna Malhotra1,2, Filipinas Bundoc3, Felicia Jia Ler Ang3,4

  • 1Lien Centre for Palliative Care, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore, 169857, Singapore. Chetna.malhotra@duke-nus.edu.sg.

Quality of Life Research : an International Journal of Quality of Life Aspects of Treatment, Care and Rehabilitation
|April 9, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Financial difficulties significantly impact congestive heart failure (CHF) patients, leading to lower quality of life and increased feelings of being a burden. Early assessment in heart failure clinics is crucial for better patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Health Economics
  • Psychosocial Aspects of Health

Background:

  • Congestive heart failure (CHF) management incurs substantial healthcare costs.
  • Patients with CHF often face significant financial difficulties, impacting their overall well-being.
  • Understanding the link between financial strain and patient outcomes is critical for effective care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the association between financial difficulties and quality of life (QOL) in CHF patients.
  • To investigate the relationship between financial difficulties and perceived healthcare quality.
  • To assess the impact of financial difficulties on patients' perception of being a burden to their families.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study of 250 patients with advanced heart failure (New York Heart Association class 3 or 4).
  • Utilized baseline data from the Singapore Cohort of Patients with Advanced Heart Failure (SCOPAH).
  • Employed multivariable regression analyses to evaluate associations between financial difficulties and various patient-reported outcomes.

Main Results:

  • 41% of CHF patients reported experiencing financial difficulties.
  • Increased financial difficulties correlated with diminished emotional, social, and spiritual QOL.
  • Higher financial difficulties were linked to poorer perceived healthcare coordination and a greater likelihood of feeling like a burden.

Conclusions:

  • Financial difficulties represent a significant vulnerability for patients with congestive heart failure.
  • Healthcare providers should proactively screen for financial challenges in CHF patients.
  • Addressing financial concerns can improve treatment discussions and identify at-risk individuals for better QOL outcomes.
Abstract

Keywords:
Financial difficultiesHeart failurePerceived controlQuality of lifeStress

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