WCLC 2025 - Posters & ePosters-P1.17.08 Routine Self-Administration of a Nursing Demographic Survey to Patients Starting TKIs Identifies At-Risk Individuals

P1.17.08 Routine Self-Administration of a Nursing Demographic Survey to Patients Starting TKIs Identifies At-Risk Individuals

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This study at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre piloted a self-administered demographic survey for patients with metastatic EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) starting first-line oral tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). The survey aimed to identify logistical and financial burdens that could impact treatment adherence and quality of life within a universal healthcare system.<br /><br />Since 2020, patients completed paper surveys in clinic prior to oncology appointments, reporting demographics, out-of-pocket costs related to cancer care, travel distances to treatment, and frequency of clinic visits. Baseline analysis included 178 patients with a median age of 66 years; 63% were female. About 31% had annual household incomes under CAD 30,000, and 24% had job changes post-diagnosis. The median distance traveled to the cancer center was 25 km, with most patients using cars (74%) and median annual clinic visits of 22.<br /><br />Out-of-pocket expenses varied: 30% of patients spent more than CAD 80 in the past three months, with a median annual cost of CAD 1,580. Key expenses included medications (10% of spending), home renovations (56%), paid help (7%), and other costs (24%). Only a minority experienced significant financial burden or long travel distance, but a substantial number had incomes below CAD 50,000, indicating potential barriers to accessing care.<br /><br />Survey completion was feasible with over 85% baseline participation, and no major concerns were reported. Language barriers were mitigated by companions when necessary. COVID-19 clinic visit reductions affected follow-up surveys but did not impact baseline data.<br /><br />The study concludes that routine self-administered nursing surveys can effectively identify patients at risk of treatment barriers due to financial and logistical burdens. The data support development of interdisciplinary interventions, including physical therapy, dietetics, psychosocial oncology, and expansion of surveys into multiple languages and digital formats to improve patient support during TKI therapy initiation.

Asset Subtitle

Hailey Vlahos

Meta Tag

Speaker Hailey Vlahos

Topic Global Health, Health Services, and Health Economics

Keywords

metastatic EGFR-mutant NSCLC

tyrosine kinase inhibitors

self-administered survey

financial burden

logistical burden

treatment adherence

out-of-pocket costs

universal healthcare system

interdisciplinary interventions

patient support