pLOG

2024-04-18

How Cancer Patients in Taiwan Can Access Patient Support Programs and Clinical Trial Information

Cancer patients in Taiwan often face significant economic burdens while battling their illness. For them, accessing information about Patient Medication Assistance Programs or clinical trials is crucial. These programs, which encompass approved medications and clinical trials, provide various forms of support to patients.

However, due to the complexity of policy management, many patients often feel confused and helpless. Where can they find this information? Here are several suggested avenues:

Hospital Official Websites: Major medical institutions typically announce the latest patient support programs and clinical trial information on their official websites. For example, the Chi Mei Linying Cancer Center offers abundant online patient resources where individuals can easily access information about medication support programs and discuss them with attending physicians.

Consultation with Attending Physicians: Physicians usually recommend relevant programs based on patients' medical judgments and treatment choices.

Contacting the Hospital Clinical Trials Center: The hospital's Clinical Trials Center may manage and provide information about clinical trials, which can also be accessed through the Clinical Trials Platform website.

Joining Patient Support Groups or Websites: Participating in cancer patient support groups organized by hospitals or non-governmental organizations allows individuals to obtain firsthand experiences and information shared by other patients.

Utilizing Social Media and Online Forums: Online communities and forums are good places for patient communication. Searching for keywords such as "Patient Medication Assistance Programs" and "Medication Donation" online can also yield some publicly available information.

Hospital Seminars and Health Lectures: Some hospitals hold health lectures or seminars to provide relevant information.

Applying for Compassionate Use Programs: Some hospitals offer Compassionate Use Programs, allowing seriously ill patients to receive treatment before drugs are formally approved for market. Patients or their families can inquire with healthcare personnel or seek information from pharmaceutical companies.

Patient Support Program Management Companies or Platforms: Most patient support programs are executed by third-party management companies commissioned by pharmaceutical companies. For example, PatientsForce is one of the major patient support program management companies in Taiwan, providing relevant information through online consultation services.

Through these channels, patients can not only alleviate the economic pressure during treatment but also have the opportunity to access the latest medical resources and treatment methods. Whether on the journey of illness or treatment, patients and their families are no longer alone but have more support and resources to rely on.

Operations Director of PatientsForce, Evie.wang