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Shimels T, Gashawbeza B, Gedif Fenta T. Access to advanced healthcare services and its associated factors among patients with cervical cancer in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1342236. [PMID: 38463222 PMCID: PMC10921226 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1342236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to assess the extent of access to healthcare services, perception and associated factors among patients with cervical cancer in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 01 July through 30 August 2023 at two tertiary hospitals. Cases with histopathologic and clinical confirmation of cervical cancer were enrolled using a consecutive sampling technique. Data was collected through a validated questionnaire administered by interviewers using the KoboCollect application. Subsequently, the collected data underwent analysis using Statistical Sciences for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. Bivariable and multivariable regression models were performed at p ≤ 0.2 and p<0.05 statistical significance, respectively. Results A total of 391 patients were enrolled in the study. Health facilities were accessible for obtaining general medical services (56.5%), drugs (57.3%), laboratory diagnosis services (57.0%), imaging diagnosis services (56.8%), and radiotherapy services (55.8%) of the patients. Cost of services was affordable only in 11.5% of the cases. Essential anticancer medicines were out of stock for 229 (58.6%) of the patients during the past three months. About two-thirds of the patients have a good perception of access to healthcare services. In multivariable binary logistic regression, admission to the inpatient (AOR: 0.20, 95% CI: 0.06-0.67), joblessness (AOR: 0.19, 95% CI: 0.08-0.46), lower level of income to the extreme poverty line (3567ETB)(64.9 USD) (AOR: 0.19, 95% CI: 0.10-0.35), no CBHI coverage (AOR: 4.16, 95% CI: 1.76-9.85), having social support (AOR: 3.80; 95% CI: 1.96-7.41), and poor dietary practice (AOR: 2.36, 95% CI: 1.28-4.35) were found to have a statistically significant association with perceived good access to healthcare services. Conclusion Only close to a half of the patients with cervical cancer, in Addis Ababa, have adequate access to healthcare services. Nearly two-thirds of the patients reported perceived good access to the services. Many factors were found to show a statistically significant association with patients' perceived access to healthcare services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tariku Shimels
- Research Directorate, Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Department of Pharmaceutics & Social Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Biruck Gashawbeza
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Teferi Gedif Fenta
- Department of Pharmaceutics & Social Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Li H, Kilgour H, Leung B, Cho M, Pollock J, Culbertson S, Hedges P, Mariano C, Haase KR. Caring for older adults with cancer in Canada: Views from healthcare providers and cancer care allies in the community. Support Care Cancer 2024; 32:157. [PMID: 38358430 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-08303-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer is common and disproportionately impacts older adults. Moreover, cancer care of older adults is complex, and the current Canadian cancer care system struggles to address all of the dimensions. In this project, our goal was to understand the barriers and facilitators to caring for older adults with cancer from perspectives of healthcare professionals and cancer care allies, which included community groups, seniors' centers, and other community-based supports. METHODS In collaboration with a patient advisory board, we conducted focus groups and interviews with multiple local healthcare professionals and cancer care allies in British Columbia, Canada. We used a descriptive qualitative approach and conducted a thematic analysis using NVivo software. RESULTS A total of 71 participants of various disciplines and cancer care allies participated. They identified both individual and system-level barriers. Priority system-level barriers for older adults included space and staffing constraints and disconnections within healthcare systems, and between healthcare practitioners and cancer care allies. Individual-level barriers relate to the complex health states of older adults, caregiver/support person needs, and the needs of an increasingly diverse population where English may not be a first or preferable language. CONCLUSIONS This study identified key barriers and facilitators that demonstrate aligned priorities among a diverse group of healthcare practitioners and cancer care allies. In conjunction with perspectives from patients and caregivers, these findings will inform future improvements in cancer care. Namely, we emphasize the importance of connections among health systems and community networks, given the outpatient nature of cancer care and the needs of older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Li
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Heather Kilgour
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Bonnie Leung
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Michelle Cho
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | - Kristen R Haase
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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Jazowski SA, Achola EM, Nicholas LH, Wood WA, Friese CR, Dusetzina SB. Comparing Medicare plan selection among beneficiaries with and without a history of cancer. Health Aff Sch 2024; 2:qxae014. [PMID: 38756548 PMCID: PMC10986255 DOI: 10.1093/haschl/qxae014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Individuals aging into Medicare must choose among plans that vary in their scope of benefits, access to health care providers, and exposure to out-of-pocket expenses. When faced with complex coverage decisions, it is unclear whether older adults consider their experiences with prior serious illness or current medical conditions. We estimated the association between a self-reported history of cancer and initial plan selection among 3811 Health and Retirement Study participants aging into Medicare between 2008 and 2020. The proportion of individuals with and without a history of cancer who chose Medicare Advantage was similar; however, the probability of selecting traditional Medicare plus supplemental coverage was 8.03 percentage points (95% confidence interval, 2.99-13.07) higher for respondents with a history of cancer compared with those without a history of cancer. Individuals with a history of cancer may have accounted for their previous experiences with high-cost health care services and prioritized plans with robust benefits (eg, greater financial protections). Raising awareness of and enhancing educational resources could ensure that older adults select plans that meet their current and evolving health care needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelley A Jazowski
- Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37203, United States
| | - Emma M Achola
- Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37203, United States
| | - Lauren H Nicholas
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - William A Wood
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - Christopher R Friese
- University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
- Department of Health Management and Policy, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Stacie B Dusetzina
- Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37203, United States
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
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Grant MJ, Chiang AC. Telehealth and Outcomes in Patients With Cancer: Data and Innovation. Cancer J 2024; 30:16-21. [PMID: 38265921 DOI: 10.1097/ppo.0000000000000697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Despite that telehealth has been crucial to the delivery of oncology care during the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact of this care delivery mechanism on outcomes in cancer care has not been rigorously studied relative standard in-person care for patients with cancer. Patient-centered outcomes such as quality of life, patient satisfaction, and symptoms are important outcomes that have been the primary focus of many of the existing studies in this space, yet only a select few have evaluated overall survival and other objective efficacy endpoints. Studies have alluded to positive effects of telehealth on mitigating financial toxicity and enhancing cost-effective care delivery in oncology. Telehealth carries much potential for advancing care for patients with cancer, but future study should focus on additional efficacy endpoints, implementation, and ways to reduce disparities.
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Watson L, Link C, Qi S, DeIure A. Quantifying the Impact of Family Doctors on the Care Experiences of Patients with Cancer: Exploring Evidence from the 2021 Ambulatory Oncology Patient Satisfaction Survey in Alberta, Canada. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:641-652. [PMID: 36661698 PMCID: PMC9857946 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30010049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Oncology programs across Canada are reaching capacity as more Canadians are diagnosed with and treated for cancer each year. There is an increasing need to share care with family doctors, however it is unclear how this type of care impacts patient experiences, particularly while receiving active treatment. Retrospective data from the 2021 Ambulatory Oncology Patient Satisfaction Survey (AOPSS) in Alberta, Canada was used in this study. A unique question on the Alberta survey asks patients about their family doctor's involvement during their cancer care. Patient satisfaction across the six domains of person-centred care on the AOPSS was analyzed based on how involved a patient's family doctor was. Compared to patients who indicated their family doctor was "Not involved", patients with "Very involved" family doctors had significantly higher satisfaction scores in all six domains of care. The three domains which showed the largest positive impact of family doctor involvement were: Coordination & Integration of Care, Emotional Concerns, and Information, Communication & Education. The results demonstrate that involving family doctors in cancer care can be beneficial for patients. Based on the observed satisfaction increases in this study, shared care models may be preferred by many patients. These models of care can also help alleviate strain and capacity issues within cancer programs. The results could be used to support recommendations for cancer care teams to regularly involve and communicate with family doctors, to ensure that patients receive comprehensive and tailored care from all their health care providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Watson
- Applied Research & Patient Experience, Cancer Research & Analytics, Cancer Care Alberta—Alberta Health Services, Calgary, AB T2S 3C3, Canada
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Claire Link
- Applied Research & Patient Experience, Cancer Research & Analytics, Cancer Care Alberta—Alberta Health Services, Calgary, AB T2S 3C3, Canada
| | - Siwei Qi
- Applied Research & Patient Experience, Cancer Research & Analytics, Cancer Care Alberta—Alberta Health Services, Calgary, AB T2S 3C3, Canada
| | - Andrea DeIure
- Applied Research & Patient Experience, Cancer Research & Analytics, Cancer Care Alberta—Alberta Health Services, Calgary, AB T2S 3C3, Canada
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Samaroo K, Hosein A, Ali J. Perception of Survivorship Needs Among Breast Cancer Patients in Trinidad and Tobago. Cureus 2023; 15:e34394. [PMID: 36874708 PMCID: PMC9977196 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.34394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The perception of survivorship among the cancer communities of the Caribbean is largely unknown. This study focused on determining the perception and interest in cancer survivorship among breast cancer (BC) patients in Trinidad and Tobago, as a preliminary, to introducing a pilot survivorship program and evaluating its impact on this patient population. Participants were given a questionnaire to determine needs, expectations and interest in survivorship care. Baseline measurable outcomes reported in this article include the following: 1. Participants' satisfaction with their medical care follow-up plan (if any), 2. Participants' satisfaction with the amount of information provided by healthcare providers, and 3. Participants' satisfaction with their physician's overall concern about their well-being, ranked on a 5-point Likert scale. Participants also reported on the advice/ guidelines provided by their physicians, after surgery and/or on completion of treatment, what they did to cope with BC, and their expectations of what could have been done to improve the quality of care received. A second questionnaire was then used to measure the level of interest in participating in a Cancer Survivorship Program (CSP) with components such as: nutrition, psychosocial development, spiritual well-being, and yoga and mindfulness. The level of interest was ranked by participants on a 5-point Likert scale. Fifteen themes emerged from participants' responses to the first questionnaire. Nutrition stood out as the module of highest interest, followed by psychosocial development among BC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristy Samaroo
- Biomedical Engineering, The University of Trinidad & Tobago, Port of Spain, TTO
| | - Amalia Hosein
- Biomedical Engineering, The University of Trinidad & Tobago, Port of Spain, TTO
| | - Jameel Ali
- Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, CAN.,Breast Surgical Oncology, St. James Medical Complex, Port of Spain, TTO
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