Evaluation of Financial Support Workshops for Patients Under State Pension Age With Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: Survey Study

JMIR Formative Research, 2025 · DOI: 10.2196/59032 · Published: February 24, 2025

Healthcare Spinal Disorders Public Health

Simple Explanation

The study evaluated workshops designed to help people with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) in the UK access financial support. The workshops focused on Universal Credit (UC) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Participants showed increased confidence in navigating the financial support system after attending the workshops.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

9 in UC workshop, 7 in PIP workshop; People with DCM under state pension age from England

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Participants rated the usefulness of the UC and PIP sessions highly, with average ratings of 9.00/10 and 10/10, respectively.
2
Self-rated confidence levels in navigating the financial support system increased significantly after the sessions.
3
Thematic analysis highlighted the usefulness of the sessions, challenges in accessing financial support, and the desire for more sessions.

Research Summary

This study evaluated the effectiveness of financial support workshops for patients with DCM under state pension age in the UK. The workshops, focusing on UC and PIP, were delivered in partnership with a charitable organization and assessed via anonymized surveys. The study concluded that the workshops were largely perceived as successful, increasing participants' confidence in navigating the UK financial support system.

Practical Implications

Increased Awareness and Confidence

Workshops can effectively increase awareness and confidence in obtaining financial support for individuals with DCM.

Relevance to Other Patient Groups

The lessons learned from this evaluation may be helpful to other patient groups and support organizations facing similar challenges in accessing financial support.

Further Sessions and Expansion

Given the success of the pilot, Myelopathy.org aims to provide further similar sessions both in England and other countries.

Study Limitations

1
Small sample size limits generalizability.
2
Focus solely on financial support available in England for specific economic situations.
3
Facebook-only recruitment may skew participant demographics.

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