Work absenteeism, disability, and lost wages among patients with acute myeloid leukemia and their caregivers: a cohort study using US administrative claims and productivity data

Abstract

Objective: We describe the impact of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) diagnosis on workplace absenteeism and disability days among patients and their caregivers. Methods: This retrospective study included adults with newly diagnosed AML (2009–2019) and adult caregivers of patients with newly diagnosed AML, identified from the US Merative™ MarketScan® Commercial Database. The Merative MarketScan Health and Productivity Management Database provided linked patient-level records of workplace absence and short-term (STD) and long-term disability (LTD) data. Endpoints included workplace absence, STD and LTD for patients and caregivers during 12 months pre-AML (baseline) and ≤3 years’ follow-up, and corresponding cost of work loss. Results: Patient workplace absence decreased in the months post-AML diagnosis, but the number of STD and LTD leave days claimed increased significantly by sixfold and fourfold, respectively. The proportion of patients making STD leave claims increased within 4–5 months of diagnosis, while the proportion making LTD leave claims increased significantly starting from month 5. Caregiver workplace absence peaked in the first 2 months post-diagnosis and remained elevated versus baseline throughout the study. Conclusion: AML diagnosis leads to workplace absenteeism and increased economic burden for patients with AML and their caregivers.