Financial factors shaping treatment decisions in oncology: A systematic review.
Ebunoluwa J Olunuga, Joshua Woo, Anagh Kulkarni et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review examined how financial factors influence treatment decisions in oncology, analyzing 60 studies. It found that financial incentives, particularly from industry, significantly affect prescribing behaviors, with physicians often caught between cost-conscious care and the desire to offer all beneficial therapies. The review highlights the need for systemic changes to support cost-effective oncology practices.
Key findings
- Financial influences were identified across three domains: physician-industry, physician-patient, and physician-physician.
- Industry payments and financial incentives were linked to increased prescribing of promoted drugs, especially with larger incentives.
- Patient out-of-pocket costs frequently impacted treatment recommendations, though discussions about costs were less common.
Why it matters
Understanding the financial factors that shape treatment decisions is crucial for improving cost-conscious care in oncology. This knowledge can inform policy changes and support clinicians in navigating financial complexities in patient care.