Addressing cost-related nonadherence : our experiences supporting patients in a tertiary healthcare organization
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Issue Date
2020-04-02
Editor
Authors
Manhas, Kimi
License
Subject
Healthcare Specialization
Abstract
The foundation of Canada’s health care system is the notion of universal access, which means all citizens have access to medical care according to need rather than ability to pay. This idea, however, does not capture the system’s complexities. While the system covers the full costs of hospitalizations, diagnostic tests, and physician visits, prescription medication is not covered. When a patient cannot afford and therefore does not take their prescribed medication, it is called cost-related nonadherence (CRNA), which is the subject of my study.
My thesis explores organizational approaches to supporting patients who face financial barriers to medication. I ask how might an organization systematically support patients facing CRNA to prescription medication? Using an action research methodology and knowledge translation, I engaged multidisciplinary stakeholders from Vancouver General Hospital including physicians, nurse practitioners, directors, managers, nurses, social workers, pharmacists, researchers and patients, in a two-day Medication Affordability Workshop. Analysis of data from the workshop illustrates that CRNA at an organization level will require a multilayered approach. This study found that approaches to address CRNA will need to focus on system changes, education, collaboration, and ongoing engagement.