Understanding value in cancer care research: an employer perspective

Value in cancer care is an emerging topic that encompasses more than the cost of oncological treatment. Researchers from Allegheny Health Network partnered with other U.S. health systems in a study of value in cancer treatment clinical trials.¹ Their findings demand a new understanding of what value is and why individual choice should drive treatment.

Redefining value in cancer clinical trials

Traditionally, value focused on clinical outcomes including survival rates, tumor response, and the direct financial cost of treatment. Researchers suggest that a new and broader definition of value would better reflect the lived experience of people with cancer.

This updated definition would capture additional aspects of clinical trial participation beyond cost and oncological outcomes, such as:

• Cost effectiveness as viewed through a financial and societal lens, as well as the payer perspective.
• Direct patient and caregiver costs that include out-of-pocket and travel expenses and ancillary costs.
• Financial distress experienced by people in cancer clinical trials, along with absenteeism and lost productivity at work.
• Patient-reported outcomes such as quality of life, symptom relief, and overall health status.
• Time invested by patients and caregivers for clinical trial participation and health care visits.
  

Framework for value in oncology research

An expanded understanding of value in cancer care would allow patients, providers, and payers to better weigh direct and indirect costs and impacts. Researchers encourage a model that moves beyond cost to consider comfort, autonomy, quality of life, and patient goals.

This model — Framework for Value in Oncology Research (FAVOR) — provides a holistic method for assessing value. FAVOR incorporates survival rates and clinical outcomes, along with patient-reported experiences and quality of life effects.

In their study, researchers compare a known treatment against a new treatment with marginally improved outcomes. The known treatment, although slightly less effective, has a history of better quality of life and lower cost.

The choice of treatment — and its value to an individual — takes all aspects of the FAVOR model into account. Researchers stress the need for additional study that considers the effectiveness of the framework from varied perspectives.

Whole-person care for employees with cancer

Employees (or dependents) with cancer may opt to participate in clinical trials, depending on their prognosis and available studies. Companies can help by offering flexibility and supportive benefits, including:

• Care navigation services, which can minimize employee and caregiver/family stress.
• Coverage for clinical studies and genetic testing for cancers with a hereditary link.
• Mental health care for employees (and their dependents) struggling with a cancer diagnosis and treatment.
  

There is a connection between employer support and employee wellness throughout a cancer journey, with or without a clinical trial. Global consulting firm Mercer advises companies to provide for their employees medically, professionally, and socially — as well as financially.²

Cancer is a top-five health care condition in terms of worldwide cost. According to Mercer, it’s a multifaceted employer issue because:

Working has financial benefits for employees with cancer

New, increasingly effective cancer treatments make it possible for employees to stay in their roles. Retention increases when workers know their employer values their health and respects their contribution as a team member.

Mental health care and emotional support can improve presenteeism

This is true for both people with cancer and those serving as caregivers. It can be difficult to achieve balance with competing priorities. Supportive leadership makes a difference, as does access to mental health care.

Cancer survivors are part of every organizational culture

There are millions of cancer survivors who want to get back to life and work, while also managing follow-up care. Advanced treatments make it possible to live with cancer as a chronic disease with ongoing care needs.

Value-driven cancer care benefits plans

Value, as we’ve learned, means different things to different patients, providers, and payers. A cancer care plan should include everything from preventive screening to clinical trial participation to post-treatment specialist visits. Mental health care benefits add significant value, as do workplace flexibility and quality of life provisions.

Supportive employers can improve retention among caregivers and employees with cancer — maintaining workforce stability and encouraging continued earning and productivity. A comprehensive cancer benefits strategy can also deliver lower costs, greater trust, and organizational strength.

Learn more

Link to:

Perceived Value in Cancer Care

ACP in Cancer Surgery