Impact of Patient Support Program (Financial Access and/or Educational Support) on Patient Adherence to Oncology Medication in Thailand: A Quantitative Secondary Data Analysis

Abstract

The shift toward self-administered Oral Anticancer Agents (OAAs) has introduced a significant "autonomy burden," where a lack of clinical supervision frequently leads to premature treatment discontinuation. This study conducted a quantitative analysis of 6,897 patients in Thailand to evaluate the efficacy of Patient Support Programs (PSPs)—stratified into Financial Access (PAPs) and Educational Support (PEPs)—in enhancing therapeutic "stickiness," or persistence. Results definitively show that PAPs serve as an "Initiation Anchor," with the Gefitinib cohort achieving a Mean Duration of Treatment (DOT) of 50.00 months compared to an 18.0-month benchmark (p < 0.001). PEPs provided the "Sustainability Glue" for long-term commitment, with the chronic Interferon cohort reaching 81.54 months. Analysis further revealed a profound "Bangkok Centricity" (70% concentration) and identified the Public Sector as the primary driver of persistence (74% volume. The study concludes that maximizing therapeutic duration requires integrated multi-pillar support and the decentralization of services to mitigate regional logistical fatigue.