To examine how financial toxicity emerges during the preparation for autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) in patients with multiple myeloma, focusing on its relational and logistical dimensions.
Key Findings:
Financial toxicity was rarely discussed explicitly but emerged through work disruption, travel demands, and caregiver burdens, reflecting a complex interplay of relational dynamics.
Patients often minimized financial concerns, prioritizing medical necessity over cost, framing financial hardship as an unavoidable consequence of treatment.
Caregivers absorbed substantial unpaid labor, exacerbating household financial strain and remaining largely invisible in clinical encounters.
Interpretation:
Financial toxicity is a dynamic and relational phenomenon that affects treatment readiness and decision-making, highlighting the need for proactive financial navigation in ASCT preparation, particularly in the context of caregiver roles.
Limitations:
The study relies on qualitative data, which may not be generalizable to all patient populations due to its context-specific nature.
Existing frameworks may not fully capture the complexities of financial toxicity across different age groups, particularly in relation to caregiving and functional independence.
Conclusion:
Understanding financial toxicity's manifestations during ASCT preparation can inform clinical practices and policies aimed at supporting patients and caregivers.