title: Informal Financial Assistance for Patients With a Hematological Malignancy: Implications for Oncology Social Work Practice.
abstract: The article presents original research findings on informal financial assistance for hematological patients; that is, the gifts from family, friends, and communities that help patients cope with the financial hardship associated with cancer. The qualitative study involved interviews with 45 hematology patients that were audio-recorded, transcribed, coded, and then thematically analyzed. The findings examine the differing perspectives that individuals and families bring to the notion of informal financial aid, provide examples of individuals who require and receive informal financial assistance, and conclude with descriptions of those who require informal financial assistance but it is not available. The implications of the findings for oncology social work practice are explored.
authors.affiliation: a Centre for Community Science, Population & Social Health Program , Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University , Queensland , Australia.
authors.forename: Pam
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: McGrath
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001315:Australia; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D033062:Friends; D037921:Gift Giving; D019337:Hematologic Neoplasms / Q000191:economics* / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012944:Social Support; D012947:Social Work / Q000458:organization & administration*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: cancer; hematology; informal financial assistance; psychosocial; qualitative; social work