Patient Perceptions of a Financial Resource Handout Following Gynecologic Cancer Diagnosis: A Mixed-Methods Study of Feasibility and Patient-Reported Utility

Introduction This study aimed to evaluate and understand the perceived utility of a handout providing information about financial resources distributed to patients with diagnosed gynecologic malignancies. Methods We administered a survey querying patient perception of financial toxicity shortly after receiving a gynecologic cancer diagnosis and then provided a handout describing various financial resources for individuals with oncologic diagnoses. Information regarding patient demographics, oncologic characteristics, and treatment was collected. A subsequent survey was administered three to six months later, investigating the utility of the information provided in the handout. Multimethod analysis was done to evaluate the impact of the intervention. Results Twenty-seven participants participated in the study, with 12 participants (44.4%) having a high financial burden and 15 participants (55.6%) having a low financial burden. There were no differences in patient, oncologic, or treatment characteristics across those groups. Qualitative experience of the handout intervention was entirely positive or neutral, with no differences in intervention perception between groups. The positive responses described perceived benefits of the study for certain individuals, while the remaining neutral responses mentioned high levels of insurance coverage and experiencing support from the medical team. Conclusion Financial toxicity represents a meaningful source of concern and challenge for patients with gynecologic malignancies. By providing the handout, a subset of patients described meaningful anticipatory benefits, including planning for employment disruption and retirement. Patients with neutral responses to the intervention cited their comprehensive insurance coverage and existing institutional support as obviating the maximal positive impact of the handout. Further research should explore additional interventions for supporting patients with gynecologic malignancies.