Abstract LB-254: The effectiveness of healthcare professional training on the legal issues impacting individuals diagnosed with cancer to improve patient quality of life

Abstract

Abstract A cancer diagnosis may carry with it a variety of legal issues, including insurance coverage, government benefits, and consumer rights. These legal issues can cause people unnecessary worry, confusion, and stress, and can be overwhelming. The Insurance and Finance Intensive is focused on providing healthcare professionals tools to proactively identify the presence of cancer-related legal, health insurance, and financial issues facing their patients. Additionally, the training helps health care professionals to offer referrals to appropriate legal and related resources, once those issues are identified. Oncology healthcare professionals participated in an eight-hour comprehensive training. Attendees were provided with substantive information about cancer-related legal issues, such as identifying health insurance options, navigating disability insurance and appeals, and managing finances. A follow-up survey was sent to all past intensive attendees to measure the effectiveness of the training and to address any lingering questions and difficult case studies. Ninety-four percent of survey respondents strongly agreed or agreed that the information provided by the training helped them reduce the stress and anxiety of their patients and their families. Ninety-two percent of survey respondents strongly agreed or agreed that the information provided by the training improved the quality of life of their patients and their families. The Insurance & Finance Intensive successfully provided health care professionals with valuable information on the practical and legal issues that impact individuals diagnosed with cancer. It is recommended that more healthcare professionals participate in this training to improve the quality of life of their patients beyond diagnosis. Citation Format: Joanna Morales, Monica Bryant. The effectiveness of healthcare professional training on the legal issues impacting individuals diagnosed with cancer to improve patient quality of life [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-254.