A Hybrid Technology-Enabled Financial Navigation Model to Combat Financial Toxicity in Cancer Care.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Health Informatics
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Financial toxicity is a significant barrier in cancer care, impacting treatment adherence and survivorship.
• Existing financial and social support resources are often difficult for patients to access and navigate effectively.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the Oncology Navigation Empowerment for Treatment (ONCO-NET) platform, an innovative hybrid intervention designed to address challenges in accessing financial support for cancer patients.
• To describe the integration of an AI-driven resource-matching system with human-centered financial navigation support within the ONCO-NET platform.

Main Methods:

• ONCO-NET utilizes a structured intake process collecting demographic data, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity (FACIT-COST), and social determinants of health.
• An AI-driven system identifies and prioritizes relevant local resources based on patient data.
• The platform provides personalized, real-time recommendations and access to trained financial navigators.

Main Results:

• The ONCO-NET platform effectively integrates AI technology with human expertise for financial navigation.
• It enhances the accessibility, scalability, and equity of financial support services for cancer patients.

Conclusions:

• The ONCO-NET hybrid approach shows potential for improving cancer treatment adherence and reducing health disparities.
• This model offers a scalable solution for managing financial burdens in cancer care and other chronic diseases.