Implementation of the Wayyakum app to reduce financial toxicity in cancer patients in Qatar

Challenge

Qatar has a rapidly developing health system, with health coverage for all citizens implemented in 2015.¹ This coverage means that 70—100% of cancer treatments are fully reimbursed by the government.^{1 2} However, innovative treatments – such as precision medicine – and medications not included in the preferred drugs list are not covered, meaning costs for these treatments require out-of-pocket payments.² These payments can cause financial toxicity, which is when the cost of medical care results in poor wellbeing and quality of life for patients and their loved ones.²³

The Qatar Cancer Society (QCS) was founded in 1997 to advocate and support people diagnosed with cancer, educate the population on cancer, and engage in professional development and research in the field of cancer.⁴ As part of their remit, the QCS provides financial assistance to people accessing treatments that are not included in the universal health coverage.² This aims to reduce the impact of financial toxicity during treatment, reducing stress for patients and their loved ones. Since 2013, QCS has provided financial support for cancer treatments to over 9,000 patients, amounting to a total provision of USD $27,960,000 in support.^{2 5} However, accessing this assistance is often a lengthy and time-consuming process. People with cancer and their loved ones have to attend a number of in-person meetings – which are often inaccessible to those living outside of Doha where the society is based – as well as managing a large amount of paperwork.² Consequently, people often experience delays to starting their cancer treatment.

Solution

In 2024, the QCS developed and released the Wayyakum app, an electronic platform that allows cancer patients and their families to apply for reimbursement for out-of-pocket payments for cancer treatment.⁶ The app guides users through a structured process that allows them to easily provide personal details and upload documents. The QCS’s Care Support Committee then reviews all applications and makes decisions within 48 hours of receiving complete documentation. Applicants receive real-time SMS updates to reduce delays in communication .²

The Wayyakum app was co-developed with people living with cancer to ensure it provides patient-centred support. Workshops, focus groups and user feedback sessions were all used to assess the design and functionality of the app from the patient perspective.² This collaborative approach means the app directly addresses the issues and concerns people with cancer have when trying to access financial support for their treatment. The app also integrates with other charity groups from across the country, allowing easy connection with 23 partners from governmental and non-profit organisations across Qatar, further reducing the need for people with cancer to administer their own application.⁶

Next steps

The QCS is continuing to promote the Wayyakum app to people living with cancer , while also receiving user feedback to guide improvements.² The QCS are also looking to expand the functionality of the app by integrating features such as multilingual support, expanded partnerships and advanced analytics.² It is hoped that these updates will further increase the reach and utility of the app, thus improving access to financial assistance and reducing financial toxicity for people living with cancer across Qatar.