"I wish I knew about these programs before!" A brief report exploring barriers to financial assistance reported by gynecological oncology patients

PURPOSE: Despite widespread reports of cancer-related financial hardship, hospital financial assistance programs are underutilized. APPROACH: Rapid qualitative research. SAMPLE: Gynecologic oncology patients with recurrent or metastatic disease, under 65 years old, and Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity of 26 or under. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews to elicit (1) financial assistance awareness/knowledge, (2) barriers to accessing assistance, and (3) suggestions for improving access. We analyzed the transcripts using thematic analysis: open coding, consensus building/codebook, and identification of salient themes. FINDINGS: We interviewed 25 patients and identified four barriers and three suggestions for improving access. Barriers: lack of awareness, perceptions of ineligibility, fear of negative consequences, and being overwhelmed. Suggestions: simplifying financial processes, providing individualized assistance, and being more proactive by intervening earlier. CONCLUSION: Increase access by reducing stigma, misconceptions, and more proactively engaging at-risk patients. IMPLICATIONS FOR PSYCHOSOCIAL PROVIDERS: Patients may be too afraid or overwhelmed to ask for help. A more proactive, psychosocial approach is needed.