Premium
Comparing provider and patient views of issues for low‐resourced breast cancer patients
Author(s) -
Enzler Cassandra J.,
Torres Shioban,
Jabson Jennifer,
Ahlum Hanson Arin,
Bowen Deborah J.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
psycho‐oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.41
H-Index - 137
eISSN - 1099-1611
pISSN - 1057-9249
DOI - 10.1002/pon.5035
Subject(s) - breast cancer , qualitative research , grounded theory , socioeconomic status , medicine , family medicine , quality of life (healthcare) , health literacy , health care , nursing , cancer , psychology , population , environmental health , social science , sociology , economics , economic growth
Objective The purpose of this study was to compare provider and patient views from the same clinical settings on issues raised by low‐socioeconomic status (SES) breast cancer survivors. Methods We conducted qualitative interviews among two groups: low‐SES breast cancer survivors (n = 37) and medical personnel (ie, physicians, nurses, and navigators; n = 8) who interact and serve with these patients from two geographically distinct low‐resourced clinical settings. These semistructured qualitative interviews used grounded theory to identify several potential themes, such as finances, resources, and medical care. Transcripts were coded and summarized into themes. Results We analyzed each type of interview data separately then compared patient and provider perspectives. From these qualitative interviews, we discovered that low‐SES breast cancer survivors reported many unmet needs, including transportation, housing, health literacy, and language, among others. Providers reported that many of these needs are served by the extensive network of supports surrounding these patients. Conclusions These results illustrate that low‐SES breast cancer survivors have unique needs that differ from other breast cancer survivors. Many providers feel that these needs are being met, but patients have more diverse experiences. By better addressing the links between resource needs and low‐SES breast cancer survivors, quality of life can be improved.