Overcoming Transportation Barriers: Roche’s Commitment to Patient Access

A major obstacle to accessing healthcare, particularly for underserved populations, is being unable to physically get to appointments. In both high and lower income countries, patients often face significant challenges in getting to medical appointments due to transportation challenges. In the United States alone, research shows 1 in 5 patients with limited access to transportation miss critical medical appointments. This lack of reliable transportation contributes to health disparities, leaving many patients without the care they need.

Roche’s own research into challenges that rural patients face with retinal disease in the US, Canada, Italy and Spain confirmed that transportation is a significant barrier to access care. The study, which has been published in the journalfound that half of the patients cited lack of available public transport as their main barrier to care. Access to transportation is critical for patients living in rural areas, many of which have to travel extensive distances to attend clinics. 

At Roche, we are actively exploring innovative solutions to bridge this gap. For example, we’re working withto deploy transportation solutions. As a social determinant of health, transportation access can help improve patient outcomes and reduce costs for healthcare organisations. With Uber Health’s platform, healthcare providers can arrange convenient rides for their patients with real-time tracking, as well as trip and billing transparency. 

In the U.S. specifically, Roche has started working with Uber Health to improve transportation access to clinical trials. Patient participation is crucial for successful clinical trial research; by offering transportation support for patients who need it, we’re removing a major barrier to participation in such research and treatment. Early feedback from patients has been positive, with many expressing relief at not having to worry about how to get to their clinical trial appointments. One patient said of their experience, “They were prompt and courteous. It was wonderful. I just want to say that I am in awe of your service and the care you've taken to be sure I've gotten my ride.”

In Brazil, we are conducting a study to identify the factors that most impact adherence to breast cancer treatment, with transportation already identified as a critical barrier, preventing many patients from attending treatment centers. Now, our goal is to understand what other factors, besides transportation, are also critical for access to treatment. To this end, in the study we are offering free transportation through Uber Health to patients, isolating the mobility variable. This approach allows us to analyse the influence of other factors on adherence. 

Meanwhile, in Canada, Roche is addressing the transportation challenge in a different way. Through our patient support program, we are providing a comprehensive Transportation Resource Guide to healthcare provider offices and patients directly. These resources assist people living with an eye disease with information about transportation options within their community,  so they can get to and from their medical appointments more easily. 

Roche is committed to being a catalyst for change. We are working with partners to shape an ecosystem that makes patient transportation a priority. After all, a patient who cannot get to their appointments cannot get the care they deserve.