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International Journal of Academic Research in Accounting, Finance and Management Sciences

Open Access Journal

ISSN: 2225-8329

Conceptual Paper: Developing Financial Toxicity Measurement Model for Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease in Malaysia

Norhisam Bulot

http://dx.doi.org/10.6007/IJARAFMS/v12-i3/15089

Open access

Chronic diseases are defined broadly as conditions that last 1 year or more and require ongoing medical attention or limit activities of daily living or both. The treatment for this disease is a costly procedure that requires specific resources. This is especially true for Malaysia, where many patients with chronic disease belong to the elderly group, who do not have any source of income and therefore cannot afford the treatment costs, hence, increase the risk of financial distress. It is important to note that, monetary costs are not the only driver of financial distress. Other factors such as patients’ experiences and feelings about financial conditions arising from the treatment can negatively affect patient’s outcomes, quality of life, financial well-being, psycho-social health, and ultimately the patient’s ability to deal with the challenges associated with the treatment. The above-mentioned economic and social changes caused by the treatments of disease and disease itself to patients are known as Financial Toxicity. Knowing the data on financial toxicity will enable us to integrate the financial discussions into treatment plans that will allow for selection of cheaper but equally effective interventions and gives patients time to seek resources that can help them better finance care and avoid catastrophic health spending. However, despite the importance of this topic, little is known about the financial toxicity especially on those with chronic kidney disease. Using primary data (interview and questionnaires), this proposed research expected to come out with a model to assess the degree of financial toxicity for chronic kidney disease patients in Malaysia.