The feasibility, acceptability and preliminary outcomes of a financial navigation program among breast cancer in China: a pilot randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background

Financial toxicity (FT) is a global challenge for breast cancer patients due to high costs of care. Financial navigation is a promising intervention to alleviate FT, but evidence remains limited, especially within the Chinese healthcare system. To assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of a financial navigation program among breast cancer patients in China.

Methods

In this single-center, single-blinded pilot randomized controlled trial, a financial navigation program comprising needs assessment, cost-related health education, resource/service referral, and personalized counseling was evaluated. Feasibility was assessed through recruitment, attrition, and adherence rates. Acceptability was measured via participant satisfaction surveys and semi-structured interviews. Preliminary effects were evaluated through cost-related health literacy and three domains of FT.

Results

Twenty-six breast cancer patients were recruited, with a consent rate of 55.9% and a 1-month attrition rate of 7.7%. All participants in the intervention group completed needs assessment and cost-related health education, with resource / service referral and personalized counseling provided as needed. The intervention significantly improved cost-related health literacy, although no statistically significant between-group difference in FT was observed. Most participants reported satisfaction and perceived the program as useful.

Conclusions

The financial navigation program was feasible, acceptable, and effective in improving cost-related health literacy among breast cancer patients in China.

Implications for Practice

This study generated insights to guide future implementation of full-scale RCTs with larger samples and longer durations to further explore the intervention’s effectiveness.