Implementing and Evaluating a Pilot Interprofessional Training Program to Engage Health Care Teams in Cost of Care Conversations

Authors

• Jean Edward, University of KentuckyFollow
• Kimberly D. Northrip, University of Kentucky
• Mary Kay Rayens, University of KentuckyFollow
• Julia Costich, University of KentuckyFollow
• Andrea Welker, University of Kentucky
• Rachel O’Farrell, University of Kentucky
• John A. D'Orazio, University of KentuckyFollow

Abstract

Introduction: This study evaluated the impact of Financial and Insurance Navigation Assistance-Training – a pilot interprofessional training program to facilitate cost of care (CoC) conversations and address health-harming social determinants of health in a pediatric hematology–oncology clinic.

Methods: A pre–post study design was used to evaluate the impact of Financial and Insurance Navigation Assistance-Training on an interprofessional health care team's (clinicians, social workers, financial navigator, and legal advocates) knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to CoC conversations and screening, referring, and collaborating with interprofessional team members. Data were collected via surveys administered at baseline/pretraining, immediate post-training, and 12-month post-training.

Results: Most health care team members (n= 21) reported improvement in their knowledge of available financial (66.7%) and legal resources (86.7%) and ability to address social needs (93.3%), financial needs (93.3%), and facilitate CoC conversations with patients and caregivers (66.7%).

Discussion: Improvements in attitudes and behaviors toward engaging in CoC conversations, screenings, and referrals were relatively improved as a result of the training. However, there was a lower positive rate for actual behaviors around routine screening and initiating discussions on out-of-pocket costs, suggesting a need to address barriers. Study findings highlight the importance of interprofessional education in helping health care teams address social determinants of health through effective CoC conversations.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2025

Notes/Citation Information

Copyright © 2024 The Alliance for Continuing Education in the Health Professions, the Association for Hospital Medical Education, and the Society for Academic Continuing Medical Education

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.1097/CEH.0000000000000583

Funding Information

This study was funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (#77293).

Repository Citation

Edward, Jean; Northrip, Kimberly D.; Rayens, Mary Kay; Costich, Julia; Welker, Andrea; O’Farrell, Rachel; and D'Orazio, John A., "Implementing and Evaluating a Pilot Interprofessional Training Program to Engage Health Care Teams in Cost of Care Conversations" (2025). Nursing Faculty Publications. 85.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/nursing_facpub/85