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Torres JM, Sodipo MO, Hopkins MF, Chandler PD, Warner ET. Racial Differences in Breast Cancer Survival Between Black and White Women According to Tumor Subtype: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Clin Oncol 2024:JCO2302311. [PMID: 39288352 DOI: 10.1200/jco.23.02311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Despite effective early-detection approaches and innovative treatments, Black women in the United States have higher breast cancer mortality rates compared with White women. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to determine the extent of disparities in breast cancer survival between Black and White women according to tumor subtype. METHODS A comprehensive database search was performed for full-text, English-language articles published from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2022. Included studies compared survival between Black and White female patients with breast cancer within subtypes defined by hormone receptor and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)/neu (HER2; now known as ERBB2) status. Random-effects models were used to combine study-specific results and generate pooled relative risks (RRs) and 95% CIs for breast cancer-specific or overall survival (OS). A protocol for this review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021268212). RESULTS Eighteen studies including 228,885 (34,262 Black; 182,466 White) patients with breast cancer were identified. Compared with White women, Black women had a higher risk of breast cancer death for all tumor subtypes. The summary risk of breast cancer death was 50% higher among hormone receptor-positive HER2-negative [HER2-] tumors (RR, 1.50 [95% CI, 1.30 to 1.72]), 34% higher for hormone receptor+/HER2+ (RR, 1.34 [95% CI, 1.10 to 1.64]), 20% higher for hormone receptor-negative (-)/HER2+ (RR, 1.29 [95% CI, 1.00 to 1.43]), and 17% higher among individuals with hormone receptor-/HER2- tumors (hazard ratio, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.10 to 1.25). Black women also had poorer OS than White women for all subtypes. CONCLUSION These results suggest there are both subtype-specific and subtype-independent mechanisms that contribute to disparities in breast cancer survival between Black and White women, which require multilevel interventions to address and achieve health equity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michelle O Sodipo
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Margaret F Hopkins
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Paulette D Chandler
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
- Pfizer, Inc, Cambridge, MA
| | - Erica T Warner
- Clinical Translational Epidemiology Unit, Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
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Jomy J, Lin KX, Huang RS, Chen A, Malik A, Hwang M, Bhate TD, Sharfuddin N. Closing the gap on healthcare quality for equity-deserving groups: a scoping review of equity-focused quality improvement interventions in medicine. BMJ Qual Saf 2024:bmjqs-2023-017022. [PMID: 38866468 DOI: 10.1136/bmjqs-2023-017022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Quality improvement (QI) efforts are critical to promoting health equity and mitigating disparities in healthcare outcomes. Equity-focused QI (EF-QI) interventions address the unique needs of equity-deserving groups and the root causes of disparities. This scoping review aims to identify themes from EF-QI interventions that improve the health of equity-deserving groups, to serve as a resource for researchers embarking on QI. METHODS In adherence with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines, several healthcare and medical databases were systematically searched from inception to December 2022. Primary studies that report results from EF-QI interventions in healthcare were included. Reviewers conducted screening and data extraction using Covidence. Inductive thematic analysis using NVivo identified key barriers to inform future EF-QI interventions. RESULTS Of 5,330 titles and abstracts screened, 36 articles were eligible for inclusion. They reported on EF-QI interventions across eight medical disciplines: primary care, obstetrics, psychiatry, paediatrics, oncology, cardiology, neurology and respirology. The most common focus was racialised communities (15/36; 42%). Barriers to EF-QI interventions included those at the provider level (training and supervision, time constraints) and institution level (funding and partnerships, infrastructure). The last theme critical to EF-QI interventions is sustainability. Only six (17%) interventions actively involved patient partners. DISCUSSION EF-QI interventions can be an effective tool for promoting health equity, but face numerous barriers to success. It is unclear whether the demonstrated barriers are intrinsic to the equity focus of the projects or can be generalised to all QI work. Researchers embarking on EF-QI work should engage patients, in addition to hospital and clinic leadership in the design process to secure funding and institutional support, improving sustainability. To the best of our knowledge, no review has synthesised the results of EF-QI interventions in healthcare. Further studies of EF-QI champions are required to better understand the barriers and how to overcome them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Jomy
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ke Xin Lin
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ryan S Huang
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alisia Chen
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aleena Malik
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Tahara D Bhate
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nazia Sharfuddin
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Trillium Health Partners, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
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Yanguela J, Jackson BE, Reeder-Hayes KE, Roberson ML, Rocque GB, Kuo TM, LeBlanc MR, Baggett CD, Green L, Laurie-Zehr E, Wheeler SB. Simulating the population impact of interventions to reduce racial gaps in breast cancer treatment. J Natl Cancer Inst 2024; 116:902-910. [PMID: 38281076 PMCID: PMC11160503 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djae019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inequities in guideline-concordant treatment receipt contribute to worse survival in Black patients with breast cancer. Inequity-reduction interventions (eg, navigation, bias training, tracking dashboards) can close such treatment gaps. We simulated the population-level impact of statewide implementation of inequity-reduction interventions on racial breast cancer inequities in North Carolina. METHODS Using registry-linked multipayer claims data, we calculated inequities between Black and White patients receiving endocrine therapy (n = 12 033) and chemotherapy (n = 1819). We then built cohort-stratified (endocrine therapy and chemotherapy) and race-stratified Markov models to simulate the potential increase in the proportion of patients receiving endocrine therapy or chemotherapy and subsequent improvements in breast cancer outcomes if inequity-reducing intervention were implemented statewide. We report uncertainty bounds representing 95% of simulation results. RESULTS In total, 75.6% and 72.1% of Black patients received endocrine therapy and chemotherapy, respectively, over the 2006-2015 and 2004-2015 periods (vs 79.3% and 78.9% of White patients, respectively). Inequity-reduction interventions could increase endocrine therapy and chemotherapy receipt among Black patients to 89.9% (85.3%, 94.6%) and 85.7% (80.7%, 90.9%). Such interventions could also decrease 5-year and 10-year breast cancer mortality gaps from 3.4 to 3.2 (3.0, 3.3) and from 6.7 to 6.1 (5.9, 6.4) percentage points in the endocrine therapy cohorts and from 8.6 to 8.1 (7.7, 8.4) and from 8.2 to 7.8 (7.3, 8.1) percentage points in the chemotherapy cohorts. CONCLUSIONS Inequity-focused interventions could improve cancer outcomes for Black patients, but they would not fully close the racial breast cancer mortality gap. Addressing other inequities along the cancer continuum (eg, screening, pre- and postdiagnosis risk factors) is required to achieve full equity in breast cancer outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Yanguela
- Department of Health Policy and Management, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Bradford E Jackson
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Katherine E Reeder-Hayes
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Mya L Roberson
- Department of Health Policy and Management, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Gabrielle B Rocque
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Tzy-Mey Kuo
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Matthew R LeBlanc
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Christopher D Baggett
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Laura Green
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Erin Laurie-Zehr
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Stephanie B Wheeler
- Department of Health Policy and Management, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Grant SJ, Yanguela J, Odebunmi O, Grimshaw AA, Giri S, Wheeler SB. Systematic Review of Interventions Addressing Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Cancer Care and Health Outcomes. J Clin Oncol 2024; 42:1563-1574. [PMID: 38382005 PMCID: PMC11095878 DOI: 10.1200/jco.23.01290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Cancer health disparities result from complex interactions among socioeconomic, behavioral, and biological factors, disproportionately affecting marginalized racial and ethnic groups. The objective of this review is to synthesize existing evidence on interventions addressing racial or ethnic disparities in cancer-related health care access and clinical outcomes. METHODS A comprehensive search of Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection was conducted from database inception to February 23, 2023. Controlled vocabulary and keywords helped to identify studies on cancer-related disparities and interventions in adults age 18 years or older. Two reviewers followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis reporting guidelines. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool. RESULTS Of 7,526 screened studies, 34 met the inclusion criteria involving 24,134 participants. Most studies focused on breast cancer (n = 17) and Hispanic/Latino populations (n = 10) and enrolled participants primarily from community-based sites (n = 19). Twenty-one studies examined patient-centered outcomes, such as health-related quality of life and psychological well-being, while 15 studies assessed process-of-care outcomes, such as timeliness of care. Most studies followed a community-based participatory research framework. Five patient-centered outcome studies reported a positive intervention effect, often combining cancer education with psychological well-being interventions. Among the 15 process-of-care outcome studies, nine reported positive effects, with the majority (n = 8) being navigation-based interventions. CONCLUSION This systematic review emphasizes the vital role of community partnerships in addressing racial and ethnic disparities in oncology care and highlights the need for standardized approaches in intervention research because of the heterogeneity of studied interventions. Furthermore, the prevailing emphasis on breast cancer and Hispanic populations indicates the need for future investigations into other priority demographic groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shakira J. Grant
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Juan Yanguela
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Olufeyisayo Odebunmi
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Alyssa A. Grimshaw
- Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library, Yale University, New Haven, CT
| | - Smith Giri
- Institute for Cancer Outcomes & Survivorship, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Stephanie B. Wheeler
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
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Febbo PG, Allo M, Alme EB, Cuyun Carter G, Dumanois R, Essig A, Kiernan E, Kubler CB, Martin N, Popescu MC, Leiman LC. Recommendations for the Equitable and Widespread Implementation of Liquid Biopsy for Cancer Care. JCO Precis Oncol 2024; 8:e2300382. [PMID: 38166232 PMCID: PMC10803048 DOI: 10.1200/po.23.00382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Liquid biopsies-tests that detect circulating tumor cellular components in the bloodstream-have the potential to transform cancer by reducing health inequities in screening, diagnostics, and monitoring. Today, liquid biopsies are being used to guide treatment choices for patients and monitor for cancer recurrence, and promising work in multi-cancer early detection is ongoing. However, without awareness of the barriers to adoption of this new technology and a willingness to build mitigation efforts into the implementation of widespread liquid biopsy testing, the communities that could most benefit may be the last to access and use them. In this work, we review the challenges likely to affect the accessibility of liquid biopsies in both the general population and underserved populations, and recommend specific actions to facilitate equitable access for all patients.
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Griesemer I, Gottfredson NC, Thatcher K, Rini C, Birken SA, Kothari A, John R, Guerrab F, Clodfelter T, Lightfoot AF. Intervening in the Cancer Care System: An Analysis of Equity-Focused Nurse Navigation and Patient-Reported Outcomes. Health Promot Pract 2023:15248399231213042. [PMID: 38050901 DOI: 10.1177/15248399231213042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nurse navigation can improve quality of cancer care and reduce racial disparities in care outcomes. Addressing persistent structurally-rooted disparities requires research on strategies that support patients by prompting structural changes to systems of care. We applied a novel conceptualization of social support to an analysis of racial equity-focused navigation and patient-reported outcomes. METHOD We applied an antiracism lens to create a theory-informed definition of system-facing social support: intervening in a care system on a patient's behalf. Participants were adults with early-stage breast or lung cancer, who racially identified as Black or White, and received specialized nurse navigation (n = 155). We coded navigators' clinical notes (n = 3,251) to identify instances of system-facing support. We then estimated models to examine system-facing support in relation to race, perceived racism in health care settings, and mental health. RESULTS Twelve percent of navigators' clinical notes documented system-facing support. Black participants received more system-facing support than White participants, on average (b = 0.78, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [0.25, 1.31]). The interaction of race*system-facing support was significant in a model predicting perceived racism in health care settings at the end of the study controlling for baseline scores (b = 0.05, 95% CI [0.01, 0.09]). Trends in simple slopes indicated that among Black participants, more system-facing support was associated with slightly more perceived racism; no association among White participants. DISCUSSION The term system-facing support highlights navigators' role in advocating for patients within the care system. More research is needed to validate the construct system-facing support and examine its utility in interventions to advance health care equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Griesemer
- Center for Healthcare Organization & Implementation Research (CHOIR), VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
- Greensboro Health Disparities Collaborative, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | | | - Kari Thatcher
- Greensboro Health Disparities Collaborative, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | | | - Sarah A Birken
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Aneri Kothari
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Fatima Guerrab
- Greensboro Health Disparities Collaborative, Greensboro, NC, USA
- People's Action Institute, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Alexandra F Lightfoot
- Greensboro Health Disparities Collaborative, Greensboro, NC, USA
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Jiang SJ, Diaconescu AC, McEwen DP, McEwen LN, Chang AC, Lin J, Reddy RM, Lynch WR, Bonner S, Lagisetty KH. Factors affecting timing of surgery following neoadjuvant chemoradiation for esophageal cancer. Heliyon 2023; 9:e23212. [PMID: 38144324 PMCID: PMC10746453 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Neoadjuvant chemoradiation with esophagectomy is standard management for locally advanced esophageal cancer. Studies have shown that surgical timing following chemoradiation is important for minimizing postoperative complications, however in practice timing is often variable and delayed. Although postoperative impact of surgical timing has been studied, less is known about factors associated with delays. Materials and methods A retrospective review was performed for 96 patients with esophageal cancer who underwent chemoradiation then esophagectomy between 2018 and 2020 at a single institution. Univariable and stepwise multivariable analyses were used to assess association between social (demographics, insurance) and clinical variables (pre-operative weight, comorbidities, prior cardiothoracic surgery, smoking history, disease staging) with time to surgery (≤8 weeks "on-time" vs. >8 weeks "delayed"). Results Fifty-one patients underwent esophagectomy within 8 weeks of chemoradiation; 45 had a delayed operation. Univariate analysis showed the following characteristics were significantly different between on-time and delayed groups: weight loss within 3 months of surgery (3.9 ± 5.1 kg vs. 1.5 ± 3.6 kg; P = 0.009), prior cardiovascular disease (29% vs. 49%; P = 0.05), prior cardiothoracic surgery (4% vs. 22%; P = 0.01), history of ever smoked (69% vs. 87%; P = 0.04), absent nodal metastasis on pathology (57% vs. 82%; P = 0.008). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that prior cardiothoracic surgery (OR 8.924, 95%CI 1.67-47.60; P = 0.01) and absent nodal metastasis (OR 4.186, 95%CI 1.50-11.72; P = 0.006) were associated with delayed surgery. Conclusions Delayed esophagectomy following chemoradiotherapy is associated with prior cardiothoracic surgery and absent nodal metastasis. Further investigations should focus on understanding how these factors contribute to delays to guide treatment planning and mitigate sources of outcome disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon J. Jiang
- Washington University in St. Louis, Department of Medicine, 1 Brookings Dr, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Andrada C. Diaconescu
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Surgery, 1720 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Dyke P. McEwen
- University of Michigan, Department of Pharmacology, 1500 E Medical Center Dr., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Laura N. McEwen
- University of Michigan, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, 1500 E Medical Center Dr., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Andrew C. Chang
- University of Michigan, Department of Surgery, Section of Thoracic Surgery, 1500 E Medical Center Dr., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Jules Lin
- University of Michigan, Department of Surgery, Section of Thoracic Surgery, 1500 E Medical Center Dr., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Rishindra M. Reddy
- University of Michigan, Department of Surgery, Section of Thoracic Surgery, 1500 E Medical Center Dr., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - William R. Lynch
- University of Michigan, Department of Surgery, Section of Thoracic Surgery, 1500 E Medical Center Dr., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Sidra Bonner
- University of Michigan, Department of Surgery, Section of General Surgery, 1500 E Medical Center Dr., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Kiran H. Lagisetty
- University of Michigan, Department of Surgery, Section of Thoracic Surgery, 1500 E Medical Center Dr., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
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Reeder-Hayes K, Roberson ML, Wheeler SB, Abdou Y, Troester MA. From Race to Racism and Disparities to Equity: An Actionable Biopsychosocial Approach to Breast Cancer Outcomes. Cancer J 2023; 29:316-322. [PMID: 37963365 PMCID: PMC10651167 DOI: 10.1097/ppo.0000000000000677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Racial disparities in outcomes of breast cancer in the United States have widened over more than 3 decades, driven by complex biologic and social factors. In this review, we summarize the biological and social narratives that have shaped breast cancer disparities research across different scientific disciplines in the past, explore the underappreciated but crucial ways in which these 2 strands of the breast cancer story are interwoven, and present 5 key strategies for creating transformative interdisciplinary research to achieve equity in breast cancer treatment and outcomes. DESIGN We first review the key differences in tumor biology in the United States between patients racialized as Black versus White, including the overrepresentation of triple-negative breast cancer and differences in tumor histologic and molecular features by race for hormone-sensitive disease. We then summarize key social factors at the interpersonal, institutional, and social structural levels that drive inequitable treatment. Next, we explore how biologic and social determinants are interwoven and interactive, including historical and contemporary structural factors that shape the overrepresentation of triple-negative breast cancer among Black Americans, racial differences in tumor microenvironment, and the complex interplay of biologic and social drivers of difference in outcomes of hormone receptor positive disease, including utilization and effectiveness of endocrine therapies and the role of obesity. Finally, we present 5 principles to increase the impact and productivity of breast cancer equity research. RESULTS We find that social and biologic drivers of breast cancer disparities are often cyclical and are found at all levels of scientific investigation from cells to society. To break the cycle and effect change, we must acknowledge and measure the role of structural racism in breast cancer outcomes; frame biologic, psychosocial, and access factors as interwoven via mechanisms of cumulative stress, inflammation, and immune modulation; take responsibility for the impact of representativeness (or the lack thereof) in genomic and decision modeling on the ability to accurately predict the outcomes of Black patients; create research that incorporates the perspectives of people of color from inception to implementation; and rigorously evaluate innovations in equitable cancer care delivery and health policies. CONCLUSIONS Innovative, cross-disciplinary research across the biologic and social sciences is crucial to understanding and eliminating disparities in breast cancer outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yara Abdou
- From the Division of Oncology, School of Medicine
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Gallifant J, Griffin M, Pierce RL, Celi LA. From quality improvement to equality improvement projects: A scoping review and framework. iScience 2023; 26:107924. [PMID: 37817930 PMCID: PMC10561034 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing awareness of health disparities has led to proposals for a pay-for-equity scheme. Implementing such proposals requires systematic methods of collecting and reporting health outcomes for targeted demographics over time. This lays the foundation for a shift from quality improvement projects (QIPs) to equality improvement projects (EQIPs) that could evaluate adherence to standards and progress toward health equity. We performed a scoping review on EQIPs to inform a new framework for quality improvement through a health equity lens. Forty studies implemented an intervention after identifying a disparity compared to 149 others which merely identified group differences. Most evaluated race-based differences and were conducted at the institutional level, with representation in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. EQIPs that improved equity leveraged multidisciplinary expertise, healthcare staff education, and developed tools to track health outcomes continuously. EQIPs can help bridge the inequality gap and form part of an incentivized systematic equality improvement framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Gallifant
- Laboratory for Computational Physiology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Critical Care, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Molly Griffin
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Robin L. Pierce
- The Law School, School of Social Sciences and International Studies, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Leo Anthony Celi
- Laboratory for Computational Physiology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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10
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Griesemer I, Birken SA, Rini C, Maman S, John R, Thatcher K, Dixon C, Yongue C, Baker S, Bosire C, Garikipati A, Ryals CA, Lightfoot AF. Mechanisms to enhance racial equity in health care: Developing a model to facilitate translation of the ACCURE intervention. SSM. QUALITATIVE RESEARCH IN HEALTH 2023; 3:100204. [PMID: 37483653 PMCID: PMC10361418 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmqr.2022.100204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Background As medical and public health professional organizations call on researchers and policy makers to address structural racism in health care, guidance on evidence-based interventions to enhance health care equity is needed. The most promising organizational change interventions to reduce racial health disparities use multilevel approaches and are tailored to specific settings. This study examines the Accountability for Cancer Care through Undoing Racism and Equity (ACCURE) intervention, which changed systems of care at two U.S. cancer centers and eliminated the Black-White racial disparity in treatment completion among patients with early-stage breast and lung cancer. Purpose We aimed to document key characteristics of ACCURE to facilitate translation of the intervention in other care settings. Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews with participants who were involved in the design and implementation of ACCURE and analyzed their responses to identify the intervention's mechanisms of change and key components. Results Study participants (n = 18) described transparency and accountability as mechanisms of change that were operationalized through ACCURE's key components. Intervention components were designed to enhance either institutional transparency (e.g., a data system that facilitated real-time reporting of quality metrics disaggregated by patient race) or accountability of the care system to community values and patient needs for minimally biased, tailored communication and support (e.g., nurse navigators with training in antiracism and proactive care protocols). Conclusions The antiracism principles transparency and accountability may be effective change mechanisms in equity-focused health services interventions. The model presented in this study can guide future research aiming to adapt ACCURE and evaluate the intervention's implementation and effectiveness in new settings and patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Griesemer
- US Department of Veterans Affairs, Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), VA Boston Healthcare System, 150 South Huntington Avenue (152M), Jamaica Plain Campus, Building 9, Boston, MA, 02130, USA
- Greensboro Health Disparities Collaborative, 301 S. Elm Street, Suite 414, Greensboro, NC, 27401, USA
| | - Sarah A. Birken
- Department of Implementation Science, Wake Forest School of Medicine, 300 Medical Center Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Christine Rini
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 420 E Superior St, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Suzanne Maman
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina, 135 Dauer Drive, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Randall John
- Department of Health Policy and Management, University of North Carolina, 135 Dauer Drive, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Kari Thatcher
- Greensboro Health Disparities Collaborative, 301 S. Elm Street, Suite 414, Greensboro, NC, 27401, USA
| | - Crystal Dixon
- Greensboro Health Disparities Collaborative, 301 S. Elm Street, Suite 414, Greensboro, NC, 27401, USA
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, Wake Forest University, 1834 Wake Forest Rd., Winston-Salem, NC, 27109, USA
| | - Christina Yongue
- Greensboro Health Disparities Collaborative, 301 S. Elm Street, Suite 414, Greensboro, NC, 27401, USA
- Department of Public Health Education, University of North Carolina, 1408 Walker Ave # 437, Greensboro, NC, 27412, USA
| | - Stephanie Baker
- Greensboro Health Disparities Collaborative, 301 S. Elm Street, Suite 414, Greensboro, NC, 27401, USA
- Department of Public Health Studies, Elon University, 100 Campus Drive, Elon, NC, 27244, USA
| | - Claire Bosire
- Greensboro Health Disparities Collaborative, 301 S. Elm Street, Suite 414, Greensboro, NC, 27401, USA
| | - Aditi Garikipati
- Greensboro Health Disparities Collaborative, 301 S. Elm Street, Suite 414, Greensboro, NC, 27401, USA
| | - Cleo A. Ryals
- Greensboro Health Disparities Collaborative, 301 S. Elm Street, Suite 414, Greensboro, NC, 27401, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, University of North Carolina, 135 Dauer Drive, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, 450 West Dr, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Flatiron Health, 233 Spring St., New York, NY, 10013, USA
| | - Alexandra F. Lightfoot
- Greensboro Health Disparities Collaborative, 301 S. Elm Street, Suite 414, Greensboro, NC, 27401, USA
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina, 135 Dauer Drive, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, University of North Carolina, 1700 MLK Jr Blvd Ste 7426, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
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11
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Griesemer I, Lightfoot AF, Eng E, Bosire C, Guerrab F, Kotey A, Alexander KM, Baker S, Black KZ, Dixon C, Ellis KR, Foley K, Goettsch C, Moore A, Ryals CA, Smith B, Yongue C, Cykert S, Robertson LB. Examining ACCURE's Nurse Navigation Through an Antiracist Lens: Transparency and Accountability in Cancer Care. Health Promot Pract 2023; 24:415-425. [PMID: 36582178 PMCID: PMC11384289 DOI: 10.1177/15248399221136534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
There are persistent disparities in the delivery of cancer treatment, with Black patients receiving fewer of the recommended cancer treatment cycles than their White counterparts on average. To enhance racial equity in cancer care, innovative methods that apply antiracist principles to health promotion interventions are needed. The parent study for the current analysis, the Accountability for Cancer Care through Undoing Racism and Equity (ACCURE) intervention, was a system-change intervention that successfully eliminated the Black-White disparity in cancer treatment completion among patients with early-stage breast and lung cancer. The intervention included specially trained nurse navigators who leveraged real-time data to follow-up with patients during their treatment journeys. Community and academic research partners conducted thematic analysis on all clinical notes (n = 3,251) written by ACCURE navigators after each contact with patients in the specialized navigation arm (n = 162). Analysis was informed by transparency and accountability, principles adapted from the antiracist resource Undoing Racism and determined as barriers to treatment completion through prior research that informed ACCURE. We identified six themes in the navigator notes that demonstrated enhanced accountability of the care system to patient needs. Underlying these themes was a process of enhanced data transparency that allowed navigators to provide tailored patient support. Themes include (1) patient-centered advocacy, (2) addressing system barriers to care, (3) connection to resources, (4) re-engaging patients after lapsed treatment, (5) addressing symptoms and side effects, and (6) emotional support. Future interventions should incorporate transparency and accountability mechanisms and examine the impact on racial equity in cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Griesemer
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
- Greensboro Health Disparities Collaborative, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - Alexandra F Lightfoot
- Greensboro Health Disparities Collaborative, Greensboro, NC, USA
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Eugenia Eng
- Greensboro Health Disparities Collaborative, Greensboro, NC, USA
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Claire Bosire
- Greensboro Health Disparities Collaborative, Greensboro, NC, USA
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Fatima Guerrab
- Greensboro Health Disparities Collaborative, Greensboro, NC, USA
- Community-Campus Partnerships for Health, Raleigh, NC
| | - Amanda Kotey
- Alliant Health Solutions, Inc., Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kimberly M Alexander
- Greensboro Health Disparities Collaborative, Greensboro, NC, USA
- The Alexander Group, Durham, NC, USA
- Elon University, Elon, NC, USA
| | - Stephanie Baker
- Greensboro Health Disparities Collaborative, Greensboro, NC, USA
- Elon University, Elon, NC, USA
| | - Kristin Z Black
- Greensboro Health Disparities Collaborative, Greensboro, NC, USA
- East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Crystal Dixon
- Greensboro Health Disparities Collaborative, Greensboro, NC, USA
- Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Katrina R Ellis
- Greensboro Health Disparities Collaborative, Greensboro, NC, USA
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Karen Foley
- University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Antionette Moore
- Greensboro Health Disparities Collaborative, Greensboro, NC, USA
- Winston-Salem State University, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Cleo A Ryals
- Greensboro Health Disparities Collaborative, Greensboro, NC, USA
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Cone Health Cancer Center, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - Beth Smith
- Greensboro Health Disparities Collaborative, Greensboro, NC, USA
- University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - Christina Yongue
- Greensboro Health Disparities Collaborative, Greensboro, NC, USA
- University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - Samuel Cykert
- Greensboro Health Disparities Collaborative, Greensboro, NC, USA
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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12
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Fisher EB. The Weltanschauung of Howard Rachlin: Interdependencies among behaviors and contexts. J Exp Anal Behav 2023; 119:259-271. [PMID: 36579737 DOI: 10.1002/jeab.822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Through his broad perspectives and curiosity, Howard Rachlin took behaviorism, added critical perspectives and behavioral economics, and contributed substantially to developing behaviorism as an approach to addressing complex human actions and engagements. This essay describes the influence of Rachlin's work in three areas that reflect this broader growth of the field: 1) teleological behaviorism as a response to essentialist thinking about behavior, typified by Ryle's category mistake and including concepts in psychopathology; 2) self-control as choices among rewards differing by amount and delay and the application of this model to clinical and preventive interventions; and 3) behavioral economic modeling of social support as a commodity substitutable for other commodities of interest such as nicotine. These and the body of Rachlin's work suggest a view not only of interdependencies among behaviors, patterns of behavior, and their consequences, but more broadly, of interdependencies among different settings and their effects on behavior, leading to a behaviorism of systems and contexts. Replacing essentialist discourse of individuals, individual behaviors, and discrete influences, a world view or Weltanschauung emerges of diffuse interdependencies across patterns, individuals, settings, systems, probabilities, and consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwin B Fisher
- Peers for Progress, Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, 135 Dauer Drive, Chapel Hill, NC
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13
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Valverde PA, Kennedy Sheldon L, Gentry S, Dwyer AJ, Saavedra Ferrer EL, Wightman PD. Flexibility, adaptation, and roles of patient navigators in oncology during COVID-19. Cancer 2022; 128 Suppl 13:2610-2622. [PMID: 35699607 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.33962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The impact of COVID-19 on cancer care during the first 6 months of the pandemic has been significant. The National Navigation Roundtable Workforce Development Task Group conducted a national survey to highlight the role of patient navigators (PNs). METHODS An anonymous online survey captured how cancer care navigation changed during 2 phases: 1) March 13 to May 31, 2020; and 2) June 1 to September 4, 2020. Differences between the 2 time periods for categorical variables were assessed using χ2 tests, and 1-way analyses of variance were used for ordinal variables. RESULTS Almost one-half of PNs expected changes in duties (49%) during phase 1. By phase 2, PNs showed greater confidence in retaining PN work (P < .001) and reduced changes to duties (P < .01). PNs reported new training on COVID-19 and telehealth during phase 1 (64% and 27%, respectively) and phase 2 (54% and 19%, respectively). Significant decreases in service delays were identified by phase 2 for cancer screening (P < .001), preventive care (P < .001), medical treatment (P < .01), cancer treatment (P < .001), and cancer survivorship services (P < .01). PNs reported that the top patient issues were COVID-19 concerns, medical care disruptions, and finances, and there were decreases in medical care disruptions (P < .01) during phase 2. PNs addressed myths related to mask use, COVID-19 spread, disbelief, risk, clinical changes, transmission prevention, and finances/politics. CONCLUSIONS The PN role demonstrated resiliency and adaptability. Both clinical and nonclinical oncology PNs identified key patient needs and can provide connections with patient populations that have been economically and socially marginalized, which is necessary to build trust throughout the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia A Valverde
- Department of Community and Behavioral Health, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Lisa Kennedy Sheldon
- Clinical and Scientific Affairs, Oncology Nursing Society, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Sharon Gentry
- Academy of Oncology Nurse and Patient Navigators, Cranbury, New Jersey
| | - Andrea J Dwyer
- Department of Community and Behavioral Health, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Elba L Saavedra Ferrer
- Center for Collaborative Research and Community Engagement, College of Education and Human Sciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico
| | - Patrick D Wightman
- Arizona Health Sciences-Center for Population Health Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
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14
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Charlot M, Stein JN, Damone E, Wood I, Forster M, Baker S, Emerson M, Samuel-Ryals C, Yongue C, Eng E, Manning M, Deal A, Cykert S. Effect of an Antiracism Intervention on Racial Disparities in Time to Lung Cancer Surgery. J Clin Oncol 2022; 40:1755-1762. [PMID: 35157498 PMCID: PMC9148687 DOI: 10.1200/jco.21.01745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Timely lung cancer surgery is a metric of high-quality cancer care and improves survival for early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer. Historically, Black patients experience longer delays to surgery than White patients and have lower survival rates. Antiracism interventions have shown benefits in reducing racial disparities in lung cancer treatment. METHODS We conducted a secondary analysis of Accountability for Cancer Care through Undoing Racism and Equity, an antiracism prospective pragmatic trial, at five cancer centers to assess the impact on overall timeliness of lung cancer surgery and racial disparities in timely surgery. The intervention consisted of (1) a real-time warning system to identify unmet care milestones, (2) race-specific feedback on lung cancer treatment rates, and (3) patient navigation. The primary outcome was surgery within 8 weeks of diagnosis. Risk ratios (RRs) and 95% CIs were estimated using log-binomial regression and adjusted for clinical and demographic factors. RESULTS A total of 2,363 patients with stage I and II non-small-cell lung cancer were included in the analyses: intervention (n = 263), retrospective control (n = 1,798), and concurrent control (n = 302). 87.1% of Black patients and 85.4% of White patients in the intervention group (P = .13) received surgery within 8 weeks of diagnosis compared with 58.7% of Black patients and 75.0% of White patients in the retrospective group (P < .01) and 64.9% of Black patients and 73.2% of White patients (P = .29) in the concurrent group. Black patients in the intervention group were more likely to receive timely surgery than Black patients in the retrospective group (RR 1.43; 95% CI, 1.26 to 1.64). White patients in the intervention group also had timelier surgery than White patients in the retrospective group (RR 1.10; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.18). CONCLUSION Accountability for Cancer Care through Undoing Racism and Equity is associated with timelier lung cancer surgery and reduction of the racial gap in timely surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjory Charlot
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
- University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC
- Greensboro Health Disparities Collaborative, Greensboro, NC
| | - Jacob Newton Stein
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Emily Damone
- Department of Biostatistics, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Isabella Wood
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Moriah Forster
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Stephanie Baker
- Greensboro Health Disparities Collaborative, Greensboro, NC
- Department of Public Health Studies, Elon University, Elon, NC
| | - Marc Emerson
- University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC
- Department of Biostatistics, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Cleo Samuel-Ryals
- University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC
- Greensboro Health Disparities Collaborative, Greensboro, NC
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Christina Yongue
- Greensboro Health Disparities Collaborative, Greensboro, NC
- Department of Public Health Education, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC
| | - Eugenia Eng
- University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC
- Greensboro Health Disparities Collaborative, Greensboro, NC
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Matthew Manning
- Greensboro Health Disparities Collaborative, Greensboro, NC
- Cone Health Cancer Center, Greensboro, NC
| | - Allison Deal
- University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Samuel Cykert
- University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC
- Greensboro Health Disparities Collaborative, Greensboro, NC
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
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15
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Arora S, Ryals C, Rodriguez JA, Byers E, Clewett E. Leveraging Digital Technology to Reduce Cancer Care Inequities. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2022; 42:1-8. [PMID: 35503982 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_350151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The rise of digital technologies such as telehealth, mobile apps, electronic medical records, and telementoring for rural primary care providers could provide opportunities for improving equity in cancer care delivery and outcomes. Benefitting from new technologies requires access to broadband internet, appropriate devices (smartphones, computers, etc.) along with basic digital literacy skills to use the devices. When these requirements are not met, the likelihood of widening existing inequities in access to care increases. This article introduces opportunities for improving cancer care using health informatics systems for engaging patients and flagging bias and existing videoconferencing technology to build workforce capacity. Policy recommendations for expanding evidence-based interventions are also highlighted, with the aim of mitigating the effects of workforce shortages and reducing persistent inequities in access to and quality of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjeev Arora
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM
| | - Cleo Ryals
- Flatiron Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | | | - Emily Byers
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM
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16
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Williams MS, Urrutia RP, Davis SA, Frayne D, Ollendorff A, Ramage M, Verbiest S, White A. Assessing Preconception Wellness in the Clinical Setting Using Electronic Health Data. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2022; 31:331-340. [PMID: 34935481 PMCID: PMC8971991 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2021.0220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: One key strategy to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality involves optimizing prepregnancy health. Although nine core indicators of preconception wellness (PCW) have been proposed by clinical experts, few studies have attempted to assess the preconception health status of a population using these indicators. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review study of patients who received prenatal or primary care, identified by pregnancy-related ICD-10 codes, at either of two health systems in geographically and socioeconomically different areas of North Carolina between October 1, 2015, and September 30, 2018. Our primary study aim was to determine the feasibility of measuring the proposed PCW indicators through retrospective review of prenatal electronic health records at these two institutions. Results: Data were collected from 15,384 patients at Site 1 and 6,983 patients at Site 2. The indicators most likely to be documented and to meet the preconception health goal at each site were avoidance of teratogenic medications (98.8% and 98.3% at Sites 1 and 2, respectively) and entry to care in the first trimester (64.5% and 73.5% at Sites 1 and 2, respectively), whereas our measures of folic acid use, depression screening, and discussion of family planning were documented less than 20% of the time at both sites. Conclusions: Differences in measuring and documenting PCW indicators across the two health systems in our study presented barriers to monitoring and optimizing PCW. Efforts to address health and wellness before pregnancy will likely require health systems and payors to standardize, incorporate, and promote preconception health indicators that can be consistently measured and analyzed across health systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Scull Williams
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Asheville, North Carolina, USA.,Address correspondence to: Megan S. Williams, MSW, MSPH, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Room 216 MacNider, Campus Box 7181, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7181, USA
| | - Rachel Peragallo Urrutia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Asheville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Scott A. Davis
- Division of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Daniel Frayne
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mountain Area Health and Education Center, Asheville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Arthur Ollendorff
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mountain Area Health and Education Center, Asheville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Melinda Ramage
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mountain Area Health and Education Center, Asheville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sarah Verbiest
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Asheville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Amina White
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Asheville, North Carolina, USA
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17
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Baker SL, Black KZ, Dixon CE, Yongue CM, Mason HN, McCarter P, Manning M, Hessmiller J, Griesemer I, Garikipati A, Eng E, Bullock DK, Bosire C, Alexander KM, Lightfoot AF. Expanding the Reach of an Evidence-Based, System-Level, Racial Equity Intervention: Translating ACCURE to the Maternal Healthcare and Education Systems. Front Public Health 2021; 9:664709. [PMID: 34970521 PMCID: PMC8712314 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.664709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The abundance of literature documenting the impact of racism on health disparities requires additional theoretical, statistical, and conceptual contributions to illustrate how anti-racist interventions can be an important strategy to reduce racial inequities and improve population health. Accountability for Cancer Care through Undoing Racism and Equity (ACCURE) was an NIH-funded intervention that utilized an antiracism lens and community-based participatory research (CBPR) approaches to address Black-White disparities in cancer treatment completion. ACCURE emphasized change at the institutional level of healthcare systems through two primary principles of antiracism organizing: transparency and accountability. ACCURE was successful in eliminating the treatment completion disparity and improved completion rates for breast and lung cancer for all participants in the study. The structural nature of the ACCURE intervention creates an opportunity for applications in other health outcomes, as well as within educational institutions that represent social determinants of health. We are focusing on the maternal healthcare and K-12 education systems in particular because of the dire racial inequities faced by pregnant people and school-aged children. In this article, we hypothesize cross-systems translation of a system-level intervention exploring how key characteristics of ACCURE can be implemented in different institutions. Using core elements of ACCURE (i.e., community partners, milestone tracker, navigator, champion, and racial equity training), we present a framework that extends ACCURE's approach to the maternal healthcare and K-12 school systems. This framework provides practical, evidence-based antiracism strategies that can be applied and evaluated in other systems to address widespread structural inequities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie L. Baker
- Greensboro Health Disparities Collaborative, Greensboro, NC, United States
- Public Health Studies Department, Elon University, Elon, NC, United States
| | - Kristin Z. Black
- Greensboro Health Disparities Collaborative, Greensboro, NC, United States
- Department of Health Education and Promotion, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Crystal E. Dixon
- Greensboro Health Disparities Collaborative, Greensboro, NC, United States
- Department of Public Health Education, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, United States
| | - Christina M. Yongue
- Greensboro Health Disparities Collaborative, Greensboro, NC, United States
- Department of Public Health Education, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, United States
| | - Hailey Nicole Mason
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Patrick McCarter
- Greensboro Health Disparities Collaborative, Greensboro, NC, United States
- Cone Health, Greensboro, NC, United States
| | - Matthew Manning
- Greensboro Health Disparities Collaborative, Greensboro, NC, United States
- Cone Health, Greensboro, NC, United States
| | - Joanne Hessmiller
- Greensboro Health Disparities Collaborative, Greensboro, NC, United States
- Department of Social Work and Sociology (Retired), North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC, United States
| | - Ida Griesemer
- Greensboro Health Disparities Collaborative, Greensboro, NC, United States
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Aditi Garikipati
- Greensboro Health Disparities Collaborative, Greensboro, NC, United States
- Department of Cardiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Eugenia Eng
- Greensboro Health Disparities Collaborative, Greensboro, NC, United States
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | | | - Claire Bosire
- Greensboro Health Disparities Collaborative, Greensboro, NC, United States
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Kimberly M. Alexander
- Greensboro Health Disparities Collaborative, Greensboro, NC, United States
- The Alexander Group, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Alexandra F. Lightfoot
- Greensboro Health Disparities Collaborative, Greensboro, NC, United States
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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18
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Alfano CM, Mayer DK, Beckjord E, Ahern DK, Galioto M, Sheldon LK, Klesges LM, Aronoff-Spencer E, Hesse BW. Mending Disconnects in Cancer Care: Setting an Agenda for Research, Practice, and Policy. JCO Clin Cancer Inform 2021; 4:539-546. [PMID: 32543897 DOI: 10.1200/cci.20.00046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer in the United States accounts for $600 billion in health care costs, lost work time and productivity, reduced quality of life, and premature mortality. The future of oncology delivery must mend disconnects to equitably improve patient outcomes while constraining costs and burden on patients, caregivers, and care teams. Embedding learning health systems into oncology can connect care, engaging patients and providers in fully interoperable data systems that remotely monitor patients; generate predictive and prescriptive analytics to facilitate appropriate, timely referrals; and extend the reach of clinicians beyond clinic walls. Incorporating functional learning systems into the future of oncology and follow-up care requires coordinated national attention to 4 synergistic strategies: (1) galvanize and shape public discourse to develop and adopt these systems, (2) demonstrate their value, (3) test and evaluate their use, and (4) reform policy to incentivize and regulate their use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ellen Beckjord
- Population Health and Clinical Affairs, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - David K Ahern
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA.,Connect2Health Task Force, Federal Communications Commission, Washington DC
| | - Michele Galioto
- ONS Center for Innovation at Oncology Nursing Society, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Lisa K Sheldon
- ONS Center for Innovation at Oncology Nursing Society, Pittsburgh, PA
| | | | - Eliah Aronoff-Spencer
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
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19
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Racial disparities in complications and mortality after bariatric surgery: A systematic review. Am J Surg 2021; 223:863-878. [PMID: 34389157 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2021.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have shown racial discrepancies in the rates of postoperative adverse events following bariatric surgery (BS). We aim to systematically review the literature examining racial disparities in postoperative adverse events. METHODS PubMed, Embase, and SCOPUS databases were searched for studies that reported race, postoperative adverse events and/or length of stay. RESULTS Thirty-five studies were included. Most compared Black and White patients using standardized databases. Racial/ethnic terminology varied. The majority found increased 30-day mortality and morbidity and length of stay in Black relative to White patients. Differences between White and Hipanic patients were mostly non-significant in these outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Black patients may experience higher rates of adverse events than White patients within 30 days following bariatric surgery. Given the limitations in the large multicenter databases, explanations for this disparity were limited. Future research would benefit from longer-term studies that include more races and ethnicities and consider socioeconomic factors.
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20
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Evans N, Grenda T, Alvarez NH, Okusanya OT. Narrative review of socioeconomic and racial disparities in the treatment of early stage lung cancer. J Thorac Dis 2021; 13:3758-3763. [PMID: 34277067 PMCID: PMC8264710 DOI: 10.21037/jtd-20-3181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Background To review and discuss the current literature regarding socio-economic and racial disparities in the treatment of early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods Narrative review of peer reviewed literature synthesizing findings retrieved from searches of computerized databases, primary article reference lists, authoritative texts and expert options. Results The current incidence of lung cancer appears to be similar between White and Black patients. However, Black patients are substantially less likely to receive curative intent surgery. Mitigation strategies do exist to narrow this inequity. Lower socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with a higher incidence of lung cancer, lower utilization of surgery and poorer outcomes after surgery. Conclusions Race and SES remain closely linked to outcomes in lung cancer. Outcomes are still worse when controlling for stage and specifically, in early-stage disease, surgical therapy is consistently underused in Black patients and patients of low SES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel Evans
- Division of Thoracic and Esophageal Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Tyler Grenda
- Division of Thoracic and Esophageal Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nkosi H Alvarez
- Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Olugbenga T Okusanya
- Division of Thoracic and Esophageal Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Shelton RC, Adsul P, Oh A. Recommendations for Addressing Structural Racism in Implementation Science: A Call to the Field. Ethn Dis 2021; 31:357-364. [PMID: 34045837 DOI: 10.18865/ed.31.s1.357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Implementation science (IS) has emerged in response to a striking research-to-practice gap, with the goal of accelerating and addressing the development, translation, and widespread uptake of evidence-based interventions (EBIs). Despite the promise of IS, critical gaps and opportunities remain within the field to explicitly facilitate health equity, particularly as they relate to the role of social determinants of health and structural racism. In this commentary, we propose recommendations for the field of IS to include structural racism as a more explicit focus of our work. First, we make the case for including structural racism as a construct and promote its measurement as a determinant within existing IS frameworks/models, laying the foundation for an empirical evidence base on mechanisms through which such factors influence inequitable adoption, implementation, and sustainability of EBIs. Second, we suggest considerations for both EBIs and implementation strategies that directly or indirectly address structural racism and impact health equity. Finally, we call for use of methods and approaches within IS that may be more appropriate for addressing structural racism at multiple ecological levels and clinical and community settings in which we conduct IS, including community-based participatory research and stakeholder engagement. We see these as opportunities to advance the focus on health equity within IS and conclude with a charge to the field to consider making structural racism and the dismantling of racism an explicit part of the IS research agenda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel C Shelton
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY
| | - Prajakta Adsul
- Department of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
| | - April Oh
- National Cancer Institute, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, Rockville, MD
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22
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Stein JN, Charlot M, Cykert S. Building Toward Antiracist Cancer Research and Practice: The Case of Precision Medicine. JCO Oncol Pract 2021; 17:273-277. [PMID: 33974820 PMCID: PMC8257901 DOI: 10.1200/op.20.01070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob N. Stein
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Marjory Charlot
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Samuel Cykert
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Clinical Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
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Welsh LK, Luhrs AR, Davalos G, Diaz R, Narvaez A, Perez JE, Lerebours R, Kuchibhatla M, Portenier DD, Guerron AD. Racial Disparities in Bariatric Surgery Complications and Mortality Using the MBSAQIP Data Registry. Obes Surg 2021; 30:3099-3110. [PMID: 32388704 PMCID: PMC7223417 DOI: 10.1007/s11695-020-04657-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Background Racial disparities in postoperative complications have been demonstrated in bariatric surgery, yet the relationship of race to complication severity is unknown. Study Design Adult laparoscopic primary bariatric procedures were queried from the 2015 and 2016 MBSAQIP registry. Adjusted logistic and multinomial regressions were used to examine the relationships between race and 30-day complications categorized by the Clavien-Dindo grading system. Results A total of 212,970 patients were included in the regression analyses. For Black patients, readmissions were higher (OR = 1.39, p < 0.0001) and the odds of a Grade 1, 3, 4, or 5 complication were increased compared with White patients (OR = 1.21, p < 0.0001; OR = 1.21, p < 0.0001; OR = 1.22, p = 0.01; and OR = 1.43, p = 0.04) respectively. The odds of a Grade 3 complication for Hispanic patients were higher compared with White patients (OR = 1.59, p < 0.0001). Conclusion Black patients have higher odds of readmission and multiple grades of complications (including death) compared with White patients. Hispanic patients have higher odds of a Grade 3 complication compared with White patients. No significant differences were found with other races. Specific causes of these disparities are beyond the limitations of the dataset and stand as a topic for future inquiry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard K Welsh
- Division of Metabolic and Weight Loss Surgery, Department of Surgery, Duke University, 407 Crutchfield St., Durham, NC, 27704, USA
| | - Andrew R Luhrs
- Division of Metabolic and Weight Loss Surgery, Department of Surgery, Duke University, 407 Crutchfield St., Durham, NC, 27704, USA
| | - Gerardo Davalos
- Division of Metabolic and Weight Loss Surgery, Department of Surgery, Duke University, 407 Crutchfield St., Durham, NC, 27704, USA
| | - Ramon Diaz
- Division of Metabolic and Weight Loss Surgery, Department of Surgery, Duke University, 407 Crutchfield St., Durham, NC, 27704, USA
| | - Andres Narvaez
- Division of Metabolic and Weight Loss Surgery, Department of Surgery, Duke University, 407 Crutchfield St., Durham, NC, 27704, USA
| | - Juan Esteban Perez
- Division of Metabolic and Weight Loss Surgery, Department of Surgery, Duke University, 407 Crutchfield St., Durham, NC, 27704, USA
| | - Reginald Lerebours
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University, 2424 Erwin Rd, Durham, 27710, USA
| | - Maragatha Kuchibhatla
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University, 2424 Erwin Rd, Durham, 27710, USA
| | - Dana D Portenier
- Division of Metabolic and Weight Loss Surgery, Department of Surgery, Duke University, 407 Crutchfield St., Durham, NC, 27704, USA
| | - Alfredo D Guerron
- Division of Metabolic and Weight Loss Surgery, Department of Surgery, Duke University, 407 Crutchfield St., Durham, NC, 27704, USA.
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Chau B, Ituarte PH, Shinde A, Li R, Vazquez J, Glaser S, Massarelli E, Salgia R, Erhunmwunsee L, Ashing K, Amini A. Disparate outcomes in nonsmall cell lung cancer by immigration status. Cancer Med 2021; 10:2660-2667. [PMID: 33734614 PMCID: PMC8026917 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.3848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate overall survival (OS) outcomes by race, stratified by country of origin in patients diagnosed with NSCLC in California. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients diagnosed between 2000 and 2012. Race/ethnicity was defined as White (W), Black (B), Hispanic (H), and Asian (A) and stratified by country of origin (US vs. non‐US [NUS]) creating the following patient cohorts: W‐US, W‐NUS, B‐US, B‐NUS, H‐US, H‐NUS, A‐US, and A‐NUS. Three multivariate models were created: model 1 adjusted for age, gender, stage, year of diagnosis and histology; model 2 included model 1 plus treatment modalities; and model 3 included model 2 with the addition of socioeconomic status, marital status, and insurance. Results A total of 68,232 patients were included. Median OS from highest to lowest were: A‐NUS (15 months), W‐NUS (14 months), A‐US (13 months), B‐NUS (13 months), H‐US (11 months), W‐US (11 months), H‐NUS (10 months), and B‐US (10 months) (p < 0.001). In model 1, B‐US had worse OS, whereas A‐US, W‐NUS, B‐NUS, H‐NUS, and A‐NUS had better OS when compared to W‐US. In model 2 after adjusting for receipt of treatment, there was no difference in OS for B‐US when compared to W‐US. After adjusting for all variables (model 3), all race/ethnicity profiles had better OS when compared to W‐US; B‐NUS patients had similar OS to W‐US. Conclusion Foreign‐born patients with NSCLC have decreased risk of mortality when compared to native‐born patients in California after accounting for treatments received and socioeconomic differences. Foreign‐born patients with NSCLC have decreased risk of mortality when compared to native born patients in California after accounting for treatments received and socioeconomic differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittney Chau
- Department of Radiation Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Philip Hg Ituarte
- Department of Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Ashwin Shinde
- Department of Radiation Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Richard Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Jessica Vazquez
- Department of Radiation Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Scott Glaser
- Department of Radiation Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Erminia Massarelli
- Department of Medical Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Ravi Salgia
- Department of Medical Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | | | - Kimlin Ashing
- Department of Population Sciences, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Arya Amini
- Department of Radiation Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
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Shelton RC, Adsul P, Oh A, Moise N, Griffith DM. Application of an antiracism lens in the field of implementation science (IS): Recommendations for reframing implementation research with a focus on justice and racial equity. IMPLEMENTATION RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2021; 2:26334895211049482. [PMID: 37089985 PMCID: PMC9978668 DOI: 10.1177/26334895211049482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the promise of implementation science (IS) to reduce health inequities, critical gaps and opportunities remain in the field to promote health equity. Prioritizing racial equity and antiracism approaches is critical in these efforts, so that IS does not inadvertently exacerbate disparities based on the selection of frameworks, methods, interventions, and strategies that do not reflect consideration of structural racism and its impacts. Methods Grounded in extant research on structural racism and antiracism, we discuss the importance of advancing understanding of how structural racism as a system shapes racial health inequities and inequitable implementation of evidence-based interventions among racially and ethnically diverse communities. We outline recommendations for explicitly applying an antiracism lens to address structural racism and its manifests through IS. An anti-racism lens provides a framework to guide efforts to confront, address, and eradicate racism and racial privilege by helping people identify racism as a root cause of health inequities and critically examine how it is embedded in policies, structures, and systems that differentially affect racially and ethnically diverse populations. Results We provide guidance for the application of an antiracism lens in the field of IS, focusing on select core elements in implementation research, including: (1) stakeholder engagement; (2) conceptual frameworks and models; (3) development, selection, adaptation of EBIs; (4) evaluation approaches; and (5) implementation strategies. We highlight the need for foundational grounding in antiracism frameworks among implementation scientists to facilitate ongoing self-reflection, accountability, and attention to racial equity, and provide questions to guide such reflection and consideration. Conclusion We conclude with a reflection on how this is a critical time for IS to prioritize focus on justice, racial equity, and real-world equitable impact. Moving IS towards making consideration of health equity and an antiracism lens foundational is central to strengthening the field and enhancing its impact. Plain language abstract There are important gaps and opportunities that exist in promoting health equity through implementation science. Historically, the commonly used frameworks, measures, interventions, strategies, and approaches in the field have not been explicitly focused on equity, nor do they consider the role of structural racism in shaping health and inequitable delivery of evidence-based practices/programs. This work seeks to build off of the long history of research on structural racism and health, and seeks to provide guidance on how to apply an antiracism lens to select core elements of implementation research. We highlight important opportunities for the field to reflect and consider applying an antiracism approach in: 1) stakeholder/community engagement; 2) use of conceptual frameworks; 3) development, selection and adaptation of evidence-based interventions; 4) evaluation approaches; 5) implementation strategies (e.g., how to deliver evidence-based practices, programs, policies); and 6) how researchers conduct their research, with a focus on racial equity. This is an important time for the field of implementation science to prioritize a foundational focus on justice, equity, and real-world impact through the application of an anti-racism lens in their work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel C. Shelton
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, USA
| | - Prajakta Adsul
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, USA
| | - April Oh
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, Implementation
Science Team, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, USA
| | - Nathalie Moise
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical
Center, New York, USA
| | - Derek M. Griffith
- Georgetown University, Racial Justice Institute, Washington,
USA
- Georgetown University, Center for Men’s Health Equity, Washington,
USA
- Department of Health Systems Administration at the School of Nursing
& Health Studies, Georgetown University, Washington, USA
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Bagley AF, Anscher MS, Choi S, Frank SJ, Hoffman KE, Kuban DA, McGuire SE, Nguyen QN, Chapin B, Aparicio A, Pezzi TA, Smith GL, Smith BD, Hess K, Tang C. Association of Sociodemographic and Health-Related Factors With Receipt of Nondefinitive Therapy Among Younger Men With High-Risk Prostate Cancer. JAMA Netw Open 2020; 3:e201255. [PMID: 32191331 PMCID: PMC7082722 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.1255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Multiple randomized clinical trials have shown that definitive therapy improves overall survival among patients with high-risk prostate cancer. However, many patients do not receive definitive therapy because of sociodemographic and health-related factors. OBJECTIVE To identify factors associated with receipt of nondefinitive therapy (NDT) among patients aged 70 years and younger with high-risk prostate cancer. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cohort study identified 72 036 patients aged 70 years and younger with high-risk prostate cancer and Charlson Comorbidity Index scores of 2 or less who were entered in the National Cancer Database between January 2004 and December 2014. Data analysis was conducted from November 2018 to December 2019. EXPOSURE Receipt of NDT as an initial treatment approach. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Survival rates were compared based on receipt of definitive therapy or NDT, and sociodemographic and health-related factors were associated with the type of therapy received. Residual life expectancy was estimated from the National Center for Health Statistics to calculate person-years of life lost. RESULTS A total of 72 036 men with a median (range) age of 63 (30-70) years, Charlson Comorbidity Index scores of 2 or less, and high-risk prostate cancer without regional lymph node or distant metastatic disease were analyzed. Among eligible patients, 5252 (7.3%) received NDT as an initial therapeutic strategy. On univariate and multivariate analyses, NDT was associated with worse overall survival (univariate analysis hazard ratio, 2.54; 95% CI, 2.40-2.69; P < .001; multivariate analysis hazard ratio, 2.40; 95% CI, 2.26-2.56; P < .001). Compared with patients with private insurance or managed care, those with no insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare were more likely to receive systemic therapy only (no insurance: odds ratio [OR], 3.34; 95% CI, 2.81-3.98; P < .001; Medicaid: OR, 2.92; 95% CI, 2.48-3.43; P < .001; Medicare: OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.20-1.53; P < .001) or no treatment (no insurance: OR, 2.63; 95% CI, 2.24-3.08; P < .001; Medicaid: OR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.45-2.01; P < .001; Medicare: OR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.04-1.24; P = .004). Compared with white patients, black patients were more likely to receive systemic therapy only (OR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.74-2.14; P < .001) or no treatment (OR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.32-1.61; P < .001), and Hispanic patients were more likely to receive systemic therapy only (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.13-1.64; P = .001) or no treatment (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.14-1.60; P < .001). Between 2004 and 2014, patients without insurance or enrolled in Medicaid had 1.83-fold greater person-years of life lost compared with patients with private insurance (area under the curve, 77 600 vs 42 300 person-years of life lost). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this study, receipt of NDT was associated with insurance status and race/ethnicity. While treatment decisions should be individualized for every patient, younger men with high-risk prostate cancer and minimal comorbidities should be encouraged to receive definitive local therapy regardless of other factors. These data suggest that significant barriers to life-extending treatment options for patients with prostate cancer remain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander F. Bagley
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
| | - Mitchell S. Anscher
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
| | - Seungtaek Choi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
| | - Steven J. Frank
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
| | - Karen E. Hoffman
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
| | - Deborah A. Kuban
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
| | - Sean E. McGuire
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
| | - Quynh-Nhu Nguyen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
| | - Brian Chapin
- Department of Urology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
| | - Ana Aparicio
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
| | - Todd A. Pezzi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
| | - Grace L. Smith
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
- Department of Health Services Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
| | - Benjamin D. Smith
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
- Department of Health Services Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
| | - Kenneth Hess
- Department of Statistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
| | - Chad Tang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
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Barrington WE, DeGroff A, Melillo S, Vu T, Cole A, Escoffery C, Askelson N, Seegmiller L, Gonzalez SK, Hannon P. Patient navigator reported patient barriers and delivered activities in two large federally-funded cancer screening programs. Prev Med 2019; 129S:105858. [PMID: 31647956 PMCID: PMC7055651 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2019.105858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Few data are available on patient navigators (PNs) across diverse roles and organizational settings that could inform optimization of patient navigation models for cancer prevention. The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) and the Colorectal Cancer and Control Program (CRCCP) are two federally-funded screening programs that support clinical- and community-based PNs who serve low-income and un- or underinsured populations across the United States. An online survey assessing PN characteristics, delivered activities, and patient barriers to screening was completed by 437 of 1002 identified PNs (44%). Responding PNs were racially and ethnically diverse, had varied professional backgrounds and practice-settings, worked with diverse populations, and were located within rural and urban/suburban locations across the U.S. More PNs reported working to promote screening for breast/cervical cancers (BCC, 94%) compared to colorectal cancer (CRC, 39%). BCC and CRC PNs reported similar frequencies of individual- (e.g., knowledge, motivation, fear) and community-level patient barriers (e.g., beliefs about healthcare and screening). Despite reporting significant patient structural barriers (e.g., transportation, work and clinic hours), most BCC and CRC PNs delivered individual-level navigation activities (e.g., education, appointment reminders). PN training to identify and champion timely and patient-centered adjustments to organizational policies, practices, and norms of the NBCCEDP, CRCCP, and partner organizations may be beneficial. More research is needed to determine whether multilevel interventions that support this approach could reduce structural barriers and increase screening and diagnostic follow-up among the marginalized communities served by these two important cancer-screening programs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amy DeGroff
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Stephanie Melillo
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Thuy Vu
- University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Allison Cole
- University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Cam Escoffery
- Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | | | | | | | - Peggy Hannon
- University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
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Jourquin J, Reffey SB, Jernigan C, Levy M, Zinser G, Sabelko K, Pietenpol J, Sledge G. Susan G. Komen Big Data for Breast Cancer Initiative: How Patient Advocacy Organizations Can Facilitate Using Big Data to Improve Patient Outcomes. JCO Precis Oncol 2019; 3:PO.19.00184. [PMID: 32923852 PMCID: PMC7446366 DOI: 10.1200/po.19.00184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Integrating different types of data, including electronic health records, imaging data, administrative and claims databases, large data repositories, the Internet of Things, genomics, and other omics data, is both a challenge and an opportunity that must be tackled head on. We explore some of the challenges and opportunities in optimizing data integration to accelerate breast cancer discovery and improve patient outcomes. Susan G. Komen convened three meetings (2015, 2017, and 2018) with various stakeholders to discuss challenges, opportunities, and next steps to enhance the use of big data in the field of breast cancer. Meeting participants agreed that big data approaches can enhance the identification of better therapies, improve outcomes, reduce disparities, and optimize precision medicine. One challenge is that databases must be shared, linked with each other, standardized, and interoperable. Patients want to be active participants in research and their own care, and to control how their data are used. Many patients have privacy concerns and do not understand how sharing their data can help to effectively drive discovery. Public education is essential, and breast cancer researchers who are skilled in using and analyzing big data are needed. Patient advocacy groups can play multiple roles to help maximize and leverage big data to better serve patients. Komen is committed to educating patients on big data issues, encouraging data sharing by all stakeholders, assisting in training the next generation of data science breast cancer researchers, and funding research projects that will use real-life data in real time to revolutionize the way breast cancer is understood and treated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Mia Levy
- Rush University Medical Center, Chicago IL
| | | | | | | | - George Sledge
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
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