Work absenteeism, disability, and lost wages among patients with acute myeloid leukemia and their caregivers: a cohort study using US administrative claims and productivity data.

Objective: We describe the impact of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) diagnosis on workplace absenteeism and disability days among patients and their caregivers.

Methods: This retrospective study included adults with newly diagnosed AML (2009-2019) and adult caregivers of patients with newly diagnosed AML, identified from the US Merative™ MarketScan® Commercial Database. The Merative MarketScan Health and Productivity Management Database provided linked patient-level records of workplace absence and short-term (STD) and long-term disability (LTD) data. Endpoints included workplace absence, STD and LTD for patients and caregivers during 12 months pre-AML (baseline) and ≤3 years' follow-up, and corresponding cost of work loss.

Results: Patient workplace absence decreased in the months post-AML diagnosis, but the number of STD and LTD leave days claimed increased significantly by sixfold and fourfold, respectively. The proportion of patients making STD leave claims increased within 4-5 months of diagnosis, while the proportion making LTD leave claims increased significantly starting from month 5. Caregiver workplace absence peaked in the first 2 months post-diagnosis and remained elevated versus baseline throughout the study.

Conclusion: AML diagnosis leads to workplace absenteeism and increased economic burden for patients with AML and their caregivers.