Financial Support Models: A Case for Use of Financial Navigators in the Oncology Setting.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Financial toxicity causes significant psychological and practical distress for patients and can affect their ability and willingness to undertake optimal treatment. Although different models of financial support are typically available to patients undergoing cancer treatments, not all models can offer equal amounts of support and effective solutions, particularly to those patients at the highest levels of risk for this toxicity. OBJECTIVES: This article discusses the two most prevalent models available to healthcare institutions to provide financial support (financial counseling and financial advocacy) and makes recommendations for implementation of a more comprehensive, proactive financial navigation model. METHODS: This article reviews current and emerging financial support models. FINDINGS: Financial toxicity is on the rise, and the financial navigation model shows promise in decreasing the number of patients experiencing financial hardship.