Patients' and oncologists' perceptions towards the discussion on high-cost innovative cancer therapies: findings from a qualitative study.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

In the last decades, innovative technologies for cancer treatment were developed rapidly. In most cases, their price is high, with no funding offered by public health systems. The present study examined the perceptions of oncologists, patients and family members regarding the challenges in discussing innovative cancer treatments.

Design

Qualitative study, using in-depth semistructured interviews. Interviews examined public versus private financing, therapist-patient-family discourse, modes of decision making and implications on health policy and inequalities.

Participants

Sixteen cancer patients, six family members of cancer patients and 16 oncologists participated in the study.

Results

Four themes emerged from data analysis: the economic considerati

SUBMITTER: Bashkin O 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9516174 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature