Aksenov LI, Fairchild RJ, Hobbs KT, Tejwani R, Wiener JS, Routh JC.
Abstract
Introduction: Spina bifida is the most common permanently disabling birth defect in the United States and requires lifelong, multi-specialty care. The cost of such care has the potential to result in financial toxicity – the ‘objective financial burden’ and ‘subjective financial distress’ which can negatively impact clinical outcomes. While this concept has been extensively studied in other areas of medicine, particularly oncology, financial toxicity has not yet been examined in pediatric urology or in individuals with spina bifida and their families/caregivers.
