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ABSTRACT: Background
Underrepresented minority patients with surgical malignancies experience disparities in outcomes. The impact of provider-based factors, including communication, trust, and cultural competency, on outcomes is not well understood. This study examines modifiable provider-based barriers to care experienced by patients with surgical malignancies.Methods
A parallel, prospective, mixed-methods study enrolled patients with lung or gastrointestinal malignancies undergoing surgical consultation. Surveys assessed patients' social needs and patient-physician relationship. Semi-structured interviews ascertained patient experiences and were iteratively analyzed, identifying key themes.Results
The cohort included 24 patients (age 62 years; 63% White and 38% Black/African American). The most common cancers were lung (n = 18, 75%) and gastroesophageal (n = 3, 13%). Survey results indicated that food insecurity (n = 5, 21%), lack of reliable transportation (n = 4, 17%), and housing instability (n = 2, 8%) were common. Lack of trust in their physician (n = 3, 13%) and their physician's treatment recommendation (n = 3, 13%) were identified. Patients reported a lack of empathy (n = 3, 13%), lack of cultural competence (n = 3, 13%), and inadequate communication (n = 2, 8%) from physicians. Qualitative analysis identified five major themes regarding the decision to undergo surgery: communication, trust, health literacy, patient fears, and decision-making strategies. Five patients (21%) declined the recommended surgery and were more likely Black (100% vs. 21%), lower income (100% vs. 16%), and reported poor patient-physician relationship (40% vs. 5%; all p < 0.05).Conclusions
Factors associated with declining recommended cancer surgery were underrepresented minority race and poor patient-physician relationships. Interventions are needed to improve these barriers to care and racial disparities.
SUBMITTER: Van Haren RM
PROVIDER: S-EPMC11300547 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Van Haren Robert M RM Kovacic Melinda Butsch MB Delman Aaron M AM Pratt Catherine G CG Griffith Azante A Arbili Lana L Harvey Krysten K Kohli Eshika E Pai Ahna A Topalian Alique A Rai Shesh N SN Shah Shimul A SA Kues John J
Annals of surgical oncology 20240613 9
<h4>Background</h4>Underrepresented minority patients with surgical malignancies experience disparities in outcomes. The impact of provider-based factors, including communication, trust, and cultural competency, on outcomes is not well understood. This study examines modifiable provider-based barriers to care experienced by patients with surgical malignancies.<h4>Methods</h4>A parallel, prospective, mixed-methods study enrolled patients with lung or gastrointestinal malignancies undergoing surgi ...[more]