Open AccessENGAGING RURAL VETERANS’ PERCEPTIONS OF SURVIVORSHIP CARE FOR HEAD AND NECK CANCER
Author(s) -
Aaron Seaman,
Julia Friberg,
Jenna L. Adamowicz,
Nicholas Kendell,
Nitin A. Pagedar,
M. Bryant Howren,
Alan J. Christensen
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
innovation in aging
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2399-5300
DOI - 10.1093/geroni/igz052
Subject(s) - survivorship curve , rurality , medicine , head and neck cancer , cancer survivorship , cancer , head and neck , family medicine , rural area , gerontology , surgery , pathology
The purpose of this study was to investigate 1) rural patients’ perceptions of their own rurality and its effects on experience of head and neck cancer survivorship, and 2) potential barriers and facilitators to survivorship care within an integrated health care delivery system of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Data from qualitative interviews with Veterans who have a history of head and neck cancer are presented to understand the complex ways that rurality impacts cancer survivorship. Head and neck cancer survivors must contend with specific challenges resulting from their risk factors and treatment, including access to complex medical follow up, long-term physical and psychological effects of treatment, and tobacco- and alcohol-related comorbidities. While integration within the VHA facilitates coordination of specialty and primary care and the transfer of medical information, the use of community care in rural areas presents coordination challenges, especially for survivors with comorbidities.