Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40140817›Full record

ArticleBMC health services research2025

Navigating the completing cancer treatment incentive in Malaysia: patient insights and implementation challenges.

Nur Hidayati Abdul Halim, Nur Azmiah Zainuddin, Farhana Aminuddin, Nurul Athirah Naserrudin, Nor Zam Azihan Mohd Hassan

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMC health services research, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Nur Hidayati Abdul HalimInstitute for Health Systems Research, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Ministry of Health, Jalan Setia Murni U13/52, Seksyen U13 Setia Alam, Shah Alam, Selangor, 40170, Malaysia. nurhidayati.ah@moh.gov.my.
Nur Azmiah ZainuddinInstitute for Health Systems Research, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Ministry of Health, Jalan Setia Murni U13/52, Seksyen U13 Setia Alam, Shah Alam, Selangor, 40170, Malaysia.
Farhana AminuddinInstitute for Health Systems Research, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Ministry of Health, Jalan Setia Murni U13/52, Seksyen U13 Setia Alam, Shah Alam, Selangor, 40170, Malaysia.
Nurul Athirah NaserrudinInstitute for Health Systems Research, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Ministry of Health, Jalan Setia Murni U13/52, Seksyen U13 Setia Alam, Shah Alam, Selangor, 40170, Malaysia.
Nor Zam Azihan Mohd HassanInstitute for Health Systems Research, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Ministry of Health, Jalan Setia Murni U13/52, Seksyen U13 Setia Alam, Shah Alam, Selangor, 40170, Malaysia.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundCancer diagnosis imposes a significant economic burden on healthcare systems, patients, and their families particularly those from low-income households. To mitigate these challenges, Malaysia introduced the completing cancer treatment incentive (CCTI) under the PeKa B40 healthcare scheme to support cancer patients in completing their treatment. This study explores patients' experiences with the CCTI program to provide insights for refining policy interventions and enhancing the program's effectiveness in meeting the needs of its beneficiaries.

methodsThis qualitative study examined the experiences of cancer patients with the CCTI program in Malaysia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 respondents, both CCTI recipients and non-applicants, from eight public hospitals. Data were anlaysed using the RE-AIM framework, focusing on the dimensions of reach, adoption, and implementation.

resultsPatients' awareness of the CCTI varied, with recipients mostly informed through acquaintances, media, or healthcare providers. Non-recipients lacked awareness, with limited information provided by healthcare personnel. While the CCTI was perceived as valuable for alleviating financial burdens, particularly transportation costs, it did not appear to significantly influence treatment-seeking behaviours, as most patients expressed willingness to continue treatment even without financial aid. Implementation challenges included a burdensome application process requiring mandatory health screening, lack of clarity regarding procedures, and inadequate communication about claim approvals. Patients frequently encountered delays and confusion, exacerbated by insufficient support from healthcare providers. Additionally, many were unaware that transport incentives could be claimed for every hospital visit, further limiting the program's usefulness.

conclusionsThe study highlights critical gaps in the CCTI program's design and delivery, including inadequate communication strategies, complex administrative processes, and a lack of transparency. Addressing these challenges are essential to improve program reach and ensuring equitable access to CCTI. Policymakers should prioritise streamlining application process, enhancing information dissemination, and leveraging digital tools to improve patient experiences. Future studies should assess the program's long-term sustainability and impact on treatment adherence and outcomes. The findings underscore the importance of adopting patient-centred approaches in designing financial aid programs to enhance healthcare equity and access.

Indexed as

MotivationNeoplasmsAdultAgedFemaleHospitals, PublicHumansInterviews as TopicMalaysiaMaleMiddle AgedQualitative ResearchCancerFinancial incentivePolicy evaluationPolicy implementationRE-AIM framework

Identifiers

PMID40140817
PMCPMC11948719

What Socratic holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the Socratic graph.