The DISCO App: A Patient-Focused Tool to Reduce Financial Toxicity

Lauren M. Hamel, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Oncology
Lorna Mabunda, Clinical Research Assistant, Behavioral & Field Research Core
Wayne State University School of Medicine; Karmanos Cancer Institute

The DISCO (DIScussions of COst) app educates patients with cancer about potential treatment-related costs and generates tailored questions to prompt cost-related conversations with providers. In a pilot study, the app significantly improved patients’ self-efficacy for managing treatment costs and interacting with providers while decreasing cost-related distress. Most importantly, 100% of these video-recorded clinic visits included a cost discussion on topics ranging from patient co-pays to transportation concerns.