The financial burden of accessing care for people with scleroderma in Canada: a patient-oriented, cross-sectional survey.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Patients with scleroderma require a lifetime of treatment and frequent contacts with rheumatologists and other health care professionals. Although publicly funded health care systems in Canada cover many costs, patients may still face a substantial financial burden in accessing care. The purpose of this study was to quantify out-of-pocket costs borne by people with scleroderma in Canada and compare this burden for those living in large communities and smaller communities.

Methods

We analyzed responses to a Web-based survey of people living in Canada with scleroderma. Respondents reported annual out-of-pocket medical, travel and accommodation and other nonmedical costs (2019 Canadian dollars). We used descriptive statistics to describe travel distance and out-of-po

SUBMITTER: Trenaman L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10356003 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jul-Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature