Table 3 Current gaps in literature to guide clinicians on communication of costs and financial burden
Theme | Gaps | Unanswered questions |
|---|---|---|
Discussion of costs | Timing of discussion | When is the best time to bring up costs of care? |
Person responsible | Who is the best/most appropriate healthcare provider to discuss costs? | |
Resources for costs information | What resources should healthcare providers use to access costs information to inform patients? | |
Screening for financial burden | Optimal time to screen | When is the best time to screen patients for presence of financial burden? |
Ideal tool e.g. survey, questionnaire to screen for financial burden | What is the best tool to use for screening of financial issues? | |
Managing financial burden | Resources and support materials | What are the resources and support available to patients and families to relieve financial burden? |
Person responsible to act upon financial burden | Who is the best/most appropriate healthcare provider to discuss management and provide financial counselling? | |
Region-specific or country-specific guidelines | What financial assistance or practical supports are available for patients to use in a particular region/area/health service? |