Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Health Services

Advisor

Raymond W. Thron

Abstract

AbstractPharmaceutical patient assistance programs (PAPs) were introduced as an alternative to address patients’ inability to obtain necessary prescription drugs. However, individuals were not fully exploring the beneficial nature of PAPs due to a poor understanding of the programs. Additional research is needed to understand how PAPs impact patients’ outcomes and costs of care. Grounded in Andersen and Newman’s model of health care utilization, this qualitative research was guided by the hermeneutic phenomenological research design. Data were collected during interviews with 11 participants located in various states regarding their participation in PAPs and their lived experiences in using PAPs. Collected data were analyzed utilizing QDA Miner Lite software. Data analysis resulted in the identification of three constitutive patterns: lived experiences with eight related codes, benefits and limitations with three related codes, and perceived barriers with two related codes. From these patterns, three related themes were identified: (a) affordability, (b) accessibility, and (c) accountability. The themes showed a relationship to the health utilization model’s core focus of predisposition and benefits using PAPs. The findings of this research have potential implications for positive social change that include the development of enhanced processes for PAP use, which could lead to improved patient outcomes and greater access to programs and other sources of funding support for healthcare needs of the United States.

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