Researchers analyzed 126 studies involving veterans, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and individuals in rural areas. The goal was to understand the patient-centered burdens and economic outcomes these groups face due to medical reasons. The review looked at direct costs like medical bills and travel, as well as indirect impacts such as unpaid caregiving time and intangible burdens like stress.
Across all groups, intangible burdens were the most frequently reported issue. However, direct medical costs and non-medical costs were assessed much less often. For example, studies on people with disabilities often looked at out-of-pocket expenses, while rural studies frequently examined travel costs. About three-quarters of the studies provided justifications for their research that were tailored to their specific population.
The review found considerable variability in what burdens were examined across different groups. Few studies looked at the full spectrum of burdens experienced by these populations. This gap means we do not yet have a complete picture of the challenges these groups face. Readers should take from this that more systematic data collection is needed to better understand and address these issues.
