SPCR-06 FINANCIAL AID REQUESTS BY BRAIN TUMOR PATIENTS IN ONTARIO THROUGH GOFUNDM

Abstract

Abstract OBJECTIVE/PURPOSE Ontario brain tumor patients sometimes suffer the burden of responsibility to pay for treatments like oral chemotherapy. However, less is known about other direct and indirect financial costs due to their diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to analyze publicly-available data from GoFundMe, an online fundraising platform, to explore the financial needs of brain tumor patients. METHOD A qualitative descriptive design drawing on thematic analysis was used to analyze GoFundMe requests to support individuals diagnosed with brain cancer in Ontario between 2014 and 2021. A coding framework was created to determine emerging themes using qualitative data analysis software NVivo 10. RESULTS There were 195 fundraising requests. Requests described financial strain from the loss of income experienced by the patient and their caregivers to afford cancer treatments. Requests highlighted 1) an overall lack of awareness of how and where to access financial aid and affordable psychosocial support; 2) concerns over the long-term financial well-being of bereaving family members; 3) A call for more public awareness of the financial burden and emotional distress experienced by of those impacted by brain cancer. CONCLUSIONS/CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS These GoFundMe requests highlight a connection between financial burden and emotional distress and an overall lack of awareness of where/how to seek financial and emotional support. These results will serve as the foundation to advocate for and raise awareness of the financial assistance needed by brain tumor patients and their families.