The Clinical Trials Assistance Pilot: reducing the financial burden of cancer clinical trials for patients in regional New South Wales

Abstract

Objective This study investigated whether the provision of financial assistance to patients living in regional New South Wales influenced patients’ decisions to participate in a cancer clinical trial (cancer treatment or supportive care) and resulted in improved psychosocial outcomes. Methods Administrative data were collected from participants, including demographics, travel distances and the value of financial support provided. Qualitative interviews were then conducted with a subset of consenting patients who received financial assistance for a clinical trial. Results Sixty-four patients with cancer received financial support for a clinical trial, 27 (42%) of whom were interviewed. Participants whose distance to a trial site was over 400 km received almost three times as much financial support (M = A$3194.20, s.d. = A$1597.60) as participants whose distance to a trial site was between 50 and 100 km (M = A$1116.29, s.d. = $A1311.23). Half of participants indicated that receiving financial assistance influenced their decision to participate in a clinical trial, and most indicated the support alleviated the financial burden of clinical trial participation. Conclusions The provision of financial assistance to patients living in regional areas may reduce inequities in cancer clinical trial participation and improve psychosocial outcomes.