1
|
Bammert P, Schüttig W, Novelli A, Iashchenko I, Spallek J, Blume M, Diehl K, Moor I, Dragano N, Sundmacher L. The role of mesolevel characteristics of the health care system and socioeconomic factors on health care use - results of a scoping review. Int J Equity Health 2024; 23:37. [PMID: 38395914 PMCID: PMC10885500 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-024-02122-6] [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] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Besides macrolevel characteristics of a health care system, mesolevel access characteristics can exert influence on socioeconomic inequalities in healthcare use. These reflect access to healthcare, which is shaped on a smaller scale than the national level, by the institutions and establishments of a health system that individuals interact with on a regular basis. This scoping review maps the existing evidence about the influence of mesolevel access characteristics and socioeconomic position on healthcare use. Furthermore, it summarizes the evidence on the interaction between mesolevel access characteristics and socioeconomic inequalities in healthcare use. METHODS We used the databases MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science, Scopus, and PsycINFO and followed the 'Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR)' recommendations. The included quantitative studies used a measure of socioeconomic position, a mesolevel access characteristic, and a measure of individual healthcare utilisation. Studies published between 2000 and 2020 in high income countries were considered. RESULTS Of the 9501 potentially eligible manuscripts, 158 studies were included after a two-stage screening process. The included studies contained a wide spectrum of outcomes and were thus summarised to the overarching categories: use of preventive services, use of curative services, and potentially avoidable service use. Exemplary outcomes were screening uptake, physician visits and avoidable hospitalisations. Access variables included healthcare system characteristics such as physician density or distance to physician. The effects of socioeconomic position on healthcare use as well as of mesolevel access characteristics were investigated by most studies. The results show that socioeconomic and access factors play a crucial role in healthcare use. However, the interaction between socioeconomic position and mesolevel access characteristics is addressed in only few studies. CONCLUSIONS Socioeconomic position and mesolevel access characteristics are important when examining variation in healthcare use. Additionally, studies provide initial evidence that moderation effects exist between the two factors, although research on this topic is sparse. Further research is needed to investigate whether adapting access characteristics at the mesolevel can reduce socioeconomic inequity in health care use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philip Bammert
- Chair of Health Economics, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
| | - Wiebke Schüttig
- Chair of Health Economics, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Anna Novelli
- Chair of Health Economics, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Iryna Iashchenko
- Chair of Health Economics, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jacob Spallek
- Department of Public Health, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, Senftenberg, Germany
- Lausitz Center for Digital Public Health, Brandenburg University of Technology, Senftenberg, Germany
| | - Miriam Blume
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert-Koch-Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katharina Diehl
- Department of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Irene Moor
- Institute of Medical Sociology, Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Nico Dragano
- Institute of Medical Sociology, Centre for Health and Society, University Hospital and Medical Faculty, University of Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Leonie Sundmacher
- Chair of Health Economics, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cavanna L, Citterio C, Mordenti P, Proietto M, Bosi C, Vecchia S. Cancer Treatment Closer to the Patient Reduces Travel Burden, Time Toxicity, and Improves Patient Satisfaction, Results of 546 Consecutive Patients in a Northern Italian District. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:2121. [PMID: 38138224 PMCID: PMC10744793 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59122121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The distance to cancer facilities may cause disparities by creating barriers to oncologic diagnosis and treatment, and travel burden may cause time and financial toxicity. Materials and Methods: To relieve travel burden, a program to deliver oncologic treatment closer to the patient was initiated in the district of Piacenza (Northern Italy) several years ago. The oncologic activities are performed by oncologists and by nurses who travel from the oncologic ward of the city hospital to territorial centres to provide cancer patient management. This model is called Territorial Oncology Care (TOC): patients are managed near their home, in three territorial hospitals and in a health centre, named "Casa della Salute" (CDS). A retrospective study was performed and the records of patients with cancer managed in the TOC program were analysed. The primary endpoints were the km and time saved, the secondary endpoints: reduction of caregiver need for transport and patient satisfaction. Results: 546 cancer patients managed in the TOC program from 2 January 2021 to 30 June 2022 were included in this study. Primary endpoints: median km to reach the city hospital: 26 (range 11-79 km) median time: 44 min (range 32-116); median km to reach the territorial clinicians in the TOC program: 7 (range 1-35 km), median time: 16 minutes (range 6-54), p < 0.001. Secondary endpoints: 64.8% of patients who needed a caregiver for the city hospital could travel alone in the TOC program and 99.63% of patients were satisfied. Conclusions: The results of this retrospective study highlight the possibility of treating cancer patients near their residence, reducing travel burden and saving time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Cavanna
- Casa di Cura Piacenza, Internal Medicine and Oncology, Via Morigi 3, 29121 Piacenza, Italy
| | - Chiara Citterio
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, AUSL Piacenza, Via Taverna 49, 29121 Piacenza, Italy; (C.C.); (P.M.); (M.P.); (C.B.)
| | - Patrizia Mordenti
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, AUSL Piacenza, Via Taverna 49, 29121 Piacenza, Italy; (C.C.); (P.M.); (M.P.); (C.B.)
| | - Manuela Proietto
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, AUSL Piacenza, Via Taverna 49, 29121 Piacenza, Italy; (C.C.); (P.M.); (M.P.); (C.B.)
| | - Costanza Bosi
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, AUSL Piacenza, Via Taverna 49, 29121 Piacenza, Italy; (C.C.); (P.M.); (M.P.); (C.B.)
| | - Stefano Vecchia
- Pharmacy Unit, AUSL Piacenza, Via Taverna 49, 29121 Piacenza, Italy;
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ferré F, Seghieri C, Nuti S. Women's choices of hospital for breast cancer surgery in Italy: Quality and equity implications. Health Policy 2023; 131:104781. [PMID: 36963172 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2023.104781] [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: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023]
Abstract
This paper employs mixed logit regression to investigate the effects of providers characteristics on women's choice of hospital for breast surgery. Patient level data are used to model choices in Tuscany region, Italy. In particular, we focus on the effects of travel time and hospital quality indicators including quality standard (volumes of breast surgery), measurement of process (waiting times) and quality of surgical procedures. Variation in preferences related to individual characteristics such as age, education and travel distance from the hospital are also considered. Findings show that, on average, women prefer closer hospital with longer waiting times and higher quality (high volumes of interventions). We found preference heterogeneity associated to education: travel distance affects choice especially among less educated women (regardless of age), while among younger women (<65 years), less educated ones prefer shorter waiting times. These results could be used to optimize the allocation of resources toward breast cancer units that meet quality and efficacy standards to increase the efficiency and responsiveness of breast cancer care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Ferré
- Laboratorio Management e Sanità, Istituto di Management Dipartimento EMbeDS Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna of Pisa, Italy.
| | - Chiara Seghieri
- Laboratorio Management e Sanità, Istituto di Management Dipartimento EMbeDS Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna of Pisa, Italy
| | - Sabina Nuti
- Health Science Interdisciplinary Research Centre, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna of Pisa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lawler M, Oliver K, Gijssels S, Aapro M, Abolina A, Albreht T, Erdem S, Geissler J, Jassem J, Karjalainen S, La Vecchia C, Lievens Y, Meunier F, Morrissey M, Naredi P, Oberst S, Poortmans P, Price R, Sullivan R, Velikova G, Vrdoljak E, Wilking N, Yared W, Selby P. The European Code of Cancer Practice. J Cancer Policy 2021; 28:100282. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpo.2021.100282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
5
|
Ferranti M, Pinnarelli L, Rosa A, Pastorino R, D’Ovidio M, Fusco D, Davoli M. Evaluation of the breast cancer care network within the Lazio Region (Central Italy). PLoS One 2020; 15:e0238562. [PMID: 32881971 PMCID: PMC7470269 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0238562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES A summary indicator for evaluating the breast cancer network has never been measured at the regional level. The aim is to design treemaps providing a summary description of hospitals (including breast units) and Local Health Units (LHUs) in terms of their levels of performance within the breast cancer network of the Lazio region (central Italy). The treemap structure has an intuitive design and displays information from both general and specific analyses. METHODS Patients admitted to the regional hospitals for malignant breast cancer (MBC) surgery in 2010-2017 were selected in a population-based cohort study. These quality indicators were calculated based on the international guidelines (EUSOMA, ESMO) to assess the performance in terms of volume of activity, surgery procedure, post-surgery assistance and timeliness of medical therapy or radiotherapy beginning. The quality indicators were calculated using administrative health data systematically collected at the regional level and were included in the treemap to represent the surgery or the post-surgery areas of the breast cancer clinical pathway. In order to allow aggregation of scores for different indicators belonging to the same clinical area, up to five evaluation classes were defined using the "Jenks Natural Breaks" algorithm. A score and a colour were assigned to each clinical area based on the ranking of the indicators involved. The analyses were performed on an annual basis, by the LHU of residence and by the hospital which performed the surgical intervention. RESULTS In 2017, 6218 surgical interventions for MBC were performed in the hospitals of Lazio. The results showed a continuous increase of the level of performance over the years. Hospitals showed higher variability in the levels of performance than the LHUs. 36% of the evaluated hospitals reached a high level of performance. An audit of the S. Filippo Neri breast unit revealed incorrect coding of the input data. For this reason, the score for the indicator for the volume of wards was re-calculated and re-evaluated, with a subsequent improvement of the level of performance. Most LHUs achieved at least an average overall level of performance, with 20% of the LHUs reaching a high level of performance. CONCLUSIONS This is the first attempt to apply the treemap logic to a single clinical network, in order to obtain a summary indicator for the evaluation of the breast cancer care network. Our results supply decision makers with a transparent instrument of governance for heterogeneous users, directing efforts improving and promoting equity of care. The treemaps could be reproduced and adapted for other local contexts, in order to limit inappropriateness and ensure uniform levels of breast cancer care within local areas. The next step is the evaluation of audit and feedback interventions to improve the quality of care and to guarantee homogeneous levels of care throughout the region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Ferranti
- Department of Epidemiology of Lazio Regional Health Service, Rome, Italy
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health—Public Health Area, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Luigi Pinnarelli
- Department of Epidemiology of Lazio Regional Health Service, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rosa
- Department of Epidemiology of Lazio Regional Health Service, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Pastorino
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health—Public Health Area, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Danilo Fusco
- Lazio Regional Health Service, Department of Health Information Systems, Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Davoli
- Department of Epidemiology of Lazio Regional Health Service, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Tamburelli F, Ponzone R. The Value of Repeated Breast Surgery as a Quality Indicator in Breast Cancer Care. Ann Surg Oncol 2020; 28:340-352. [PMID: 32524463 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-020-08704-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Breast-conserving surgery, a major achievement in surgical oncology, has allowed an increasing number of breast cancer patients to avoid the mutilation of mastectomy. However, mastectomy still is performed in certain circumstances although breast-conserving surgery would be equally safe. Many reasons, including patients' and surgeons' personal motivations, influence the decision-making process before the final choice between breast preservation and mastectomy. The importance of quality measurement and reporting in medicine is increasingly recognized, and breast surgery is no exception. The substantial variability of re-excision rates for positive surgical margins after a first attempt at breast-conserving surgery suggests that improvement is possible. Therefore, the re-excision rate has been proposed as a quality metric for assessing and comparing the performance of different institutions. Indeed, re-excision rates can be reduced by actionable factors such as accurate preoperative local staging, localization of occult lesions, and intraoperative assessment of the oriented specimen. However, equally important non-actionable risk factors pertaining the biology, detectability, and resectability of the tumor also should be taken into account. Therefore, if the re-excision rate has to be used as a performance indicator of breast surgical care, critical interpretation of results with accurate case-mix adjustment are mandatory, and reasonable targets must be appropriately set so that surgeons treating patients at higher risk of positive margins are not unduly penalized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Tamburelli
- Gynecological Oncology Unit, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Riccardo Ponzone
- Gynecological Oncology Unit, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Cubero DIG, Sette CVDM, Piscopo BDCP, Monteiro CRDA, Schoueri JHM, Tavares HDDA, Argani IL, Garcia MA, Passarela K, Del Giglio A. Epidemiological profile of Brazilian oncological patients seen by a reference oncology center of the public health system and who migrate in search of adequate health care. Rev Assoc Med Bras (1992) 2019; 64:814-818. [PMID: 30673002 DOI: 10.1590/1806-9282.64.09.814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Structural disparities between different Brazilian regions in public health system cause patients to migrate in search of better conditions to treat their diseases. Besides patient's discomfort, there is a concentration of care in large centres, causing overload to current capacity. OBJECTIVE To evaluate migratory flow and associated factors in a reference service in oncology. METHODS Cross-sectional study conducted at a referral oncology service in Great ABC region of São Paulo. Patients were interviewed, and clinical and demographic data collected. RESULTS Between March-July 2016, 217 patients were included. Analysis showed a divergence between the postal code registered in the medical record and that recorded during the interview in approximately 10% of cases. Of these, 42.9% were residents of other states. Search for treatment motivated most patients to seek service outside their city. CONCLUSION Results reflect the informal search for medical care outside the home area. Besides the direct impact on patients' quality of life, migratory flow has an economic-social impact because these patients place a burden and impose costs on services of cities where they do not perform their responsibilities as citizens. Confirmation of the existence of a significant migratory flow demonstrates the need to discuss restructuring public health policies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel I G Cubero
- . ABC School of Medicine (Faculdade de Medicina do ABC - FMABC), Santo André, São Paulo, Brasil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Igor Luiz Argani
- . ABC School of Medicine (Faculdade de Medicina do ABC - FMABC), Santo André, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Marília Arrais Garcia
- . ABC School of Medicine (Faculdade de Medicina do ABC - FMABC), Santo André, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Karoline Passarela
- . ABC School of Medicine (Faculdade de Medicina do ABC - FMABC), Santo André, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Auro Del Giglio
- . ABC School of Medicine (Faculdade de Medicina do ABC - FMABC), Santo André, São Paulo, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
This article begins by introducing the historical background surrounding the volume-outcomes relationship literature, particularly in complex cancer surgery. The state of evidence surrounding mortality, as well as other outcomes, in relation to both hospital and surgeon procedure volume is synthesized. Where it is understood, the level of adoption of regionalization of various complex surgeries in the United States is also presented. Various controversies are weighed and discussed. Finally, various models of regionalization and proposed alternatives to regionalization from the peer-reviewed literature are presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Lumpkin
- Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - Karyn Stitzenberg
- Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Vincerževskiene I, Jasilionis D, Austys D, Stukas R, Kaceniene A, Smailyte G. Education predicts cervical cancer survival: a Lithuanian cohort study. Eur J Public Health 2018; 27:421-424. [PMID: 28115421 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckw261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background : We examined inequalities in cervical cancer survival in Lithuania by education and place of residence. : The study is based on the linked dataset that includes all records of the 2001 population Census, all records from Lithuanian Cancer Registry (cancer incidence) and all death and emigration records from Statistics Lithuania for the period between 6 April 2001 and 31 December 2009. The study group includes cervical cancers registered in the Cancer Registry from 1 January 2002 to 31 December 2006. Analysis was restricted to women who were 25-64 years old at the Census date (in total 1 866 cases). : During the study period there were 671 deaths corresponding to an overall 5-year survival proportion 64.13% (95% CI 61.86-66.31). Place of residence and education of cervical cancer patients had strong impact on survival; 5-year survival was higher in women living in urban areas than in rural (68.61 and 55.93%) and survival decreased with decreasing education: from 79.77% in highest education group to 64.85 and 50.48% in groups with secondary and lower than secondary education. The effect of place of residence declined when stage of disease was included in the model and became not significant in final model with education adjustment. The effect of education declined after inclusion of stage and other variables, however, remained significant. : We found that women with higher education experienced higher survival following a cervical cancer diagnosis, and stage of disease at the time of diagnosis explains only the part of observed differences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ieva Vincerževskiene
- Laboratory of Cancer Epidemiology, National Cancer Institute, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Domantas Jasilionis
- Laboratory for Demographic Data, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany.,Centre for Demographic Research, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Donatas Austys
- Institute of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Rimantas Stukas
- Institute of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Auguste Kaceniene
- Laboratory of Cancer Epidemiology, National Cancer Institute, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Giedre Smailyte
- Laboratory of Cancer Epidemiology, National Cancer Institute, Vilnius, Lithuania.,Institute of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Absence of socioeconomic inequalities in access to good-quality breast cancer treatment within a population-wide screening programme in Turin (Italy). Eur J Cancer Prev 2018; 25:538-46. [PMID: 26999379 DOI: 10.1097/cej.0000000000000211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Several studies suggest that population-based breast cancer screening programmes might help reduce social inequalities in breast cancer survival both by increasing early diagnosis and by improving access to effective treatments. To start disentangling the two effects, we evaluated social inequalities in quality of treatment of screen-detected breast cancer in the city of Turin (Italy). Combining data from the Audit System on Quality of Breast Cancer Treatment and the Turin Longitudinal Study, we analysed 2700 cases in the screening target age class 50-69 diagnosed in the period 1995-2008. We selected 10 indicators of the pathway of care, relative to timeliness and appropriateness of diagnosis and treatment, and three indicators of socioeconomic position: education, occupational status and housing characteristics. For each indicator of care, relative risks of failure were estimated by robust Poisson regression models, controlling for calendar period of diagnosis, size of tumour and activity volume of the surgery units. The principal predictor of failure of the good care indicators was the calendar period of diagnosis, with a general improvement with time in the quality of diagnosis and treatment, followed by size of the tumour and volume of activity. Socioeconomic indicators show only a marginal independent effect on timeliness indicators. The observed associations of quality indicators with socioeconomic characteristics are lower than expected, suggesting a possible role of the screening programme in reducing disparities in the access to good-quality treatments thanks to its capability to enter screen-detected women into a protected pathway of care.
Collapse
|
11
|
Pezzin LE, Laud P, Neuner J, Yen TWF, Nattinger AB. A statewide controlled trial intervention to reduce use of unproven or ineffective breast cancer care. Contemp Clin Trials 2016; 50:150-6. [PMID: 27521808 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2016.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Revised: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Challenged by public opinion, peers and the Congressional Budget Office, medical specialty societies have begun to develop "Top Five" lists of expensive procedures that do not provide meaningful benefit to at least some categories of patients for whom they are commonly ordered. The extent to which these lists have influenced the behavior of physicians or patients, however, remains unknown. METHODS We partner with a statewide consortium of health systems to examine the effectiveness of two interventions: (i) "basic" public reporting and (ii) an "enhanced" intervention, augmenting public reporting with a smart phone-based application that gives providers just-in-time information, decision-making tools, and personalized patient education materials to support reductions in the use of eight breast cancer interventions targeted by Choosing Wisely® or oncology society guidelines. Our aims are: (1) to examine whether basic public reporting reduces use of targeted breast cancer practices among a contemporary cohort of patients with incident breast cancer in the intervention state relative to usual care in comparison states; (2) to examine the effectiveness of the enhanced intervention relative to the basic intervention; and (3) to simulate cost savings forthcoming from nationwide implementation of both interventions. DISCUSSION The results will provide rigorous evidence regarding the effectiveness of a unique all-payer, all-age public reporting system for influencing provider behavior that may be easily exportable to other states, and potentially also to large healthcare systems. Findings will be further relevant to the ACO environment, which is expected to provide financial disincentives for ineffective or unproven care. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov number pending.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liliana E Pezzin
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States; Center for Patient Care and Outcomes Research, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States.
| | - Purushottam Laud
- Division of Biostatistics, Institute for Health and Society, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States; Center for Patient Care and Outcomes Research, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Joan Neuner
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States; Center for Patient Care and Outcomes Research, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Tina W F Yen
- Center for Patient Care and Outcomes Research, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States; Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Ann B Nattinger
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States; Center for Patient Care and Outcomes Research, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Smailyte G, Jasilionis D, Vincerzevskiene I, Shkolnikov VM. Education, survival, and avoidable deaths in Lithuanian cancer patients, 2001-2009. Acta Oncol 2016; 55:859-64. [PMID: 27070947 DOI: 10.3109/0284186x.2016.1156739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Background Our aim in this study is to provide a systematic assessment of the site-specific cancer survival rates of patients with different educational levels, using population-based census-linked registry data covering the entire population of Lithuania. Material and methods The study is based on the linkage between all records of the 2001 population census and all records from Lithuanian Cancer Registry (cancer incidence) and Statistics Lithuania (deaths) for the period between 6 April 2001 and 31 December 2009. Results For the vast majority of cancer sites we found an inverse gradient in survival, with the worst survival indicators in the lowest educational group. We estimated that 18.6% of the deaths in Lithuanian cancer patients could have potentially been postponed, if all the patients had the same cancer mortality as the patients with the highest educational level. Conclusion Our findings offer a warning that although the survival rates of cancer patients are improving, this progress hides disparities between different groups of patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giedre Smailyte
- Lithuanian Cancer Registry, National Cancer Institute, Vilnius, Lithuania
- Centre for Demographic Research, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Domantas Jasilionis
- Laboratory of Demographic Data, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany
- Centre for Demographic Research, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | | | - Vladimir M. Shkolnikov
- Laboratory of Demographic Data, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany
- Centre for Demographic Research, New Economic School, New Economic School, Moscow, Russian Federation
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Abraha I, Serraino D, Giovannini G, Stracci F, Casucci P, Alessandrini G, Bidoli E, Chiari R, Cirocchi R, De Giorgi M, Franchini D, Vitale MF, Fusco M, Montedori A. Validity of ICD-9-CM codes for breast, lung and colorectal cancers in three Italian administrative healthcare databases: a diagnostic accuracy study protocol. BMJ Open 2016; 6:e010547. [PMID: 27016247 PMCID: PMC4809074 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2015-010547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Revised: 01/31/2016] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Administrative healthcare databases are useful tools to study healthcare outcomes and to monitor the health status of a population. Patients with cancer can be identified through disease-specific codes, prescriptions and physician claims, but prior validation is required to achieve an accurate case definition. The objective of this protocol is to assess the accuracy of International Classification of Diseases Ninth Revision-Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes for breast, lung and colorectal cancers in identifying patients diagnosed with the relative disease in three Italian administrative databases. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Data from the administrative databases of Umbria Region (910,000 residents), Local Health Unit 3 of Napoli (1,170,000 residents) and Friuli--Venezia Giulia Region (1,227,000 residents) will be considered. In each administrative database, patients with the first occurrence of diagnosis of breast, lung or colorectal cancer between 2012 and 2014 will be identified using the following groups of ICD-9-CM codes in primary position: (1) 233.0 and (2) 174.x for breast cancer; (3) 162.x for lung cancer; (4) 153.x for colon cancer and (5) 154.0-154.1 and 154.8 for rectal cancer. Only incident cases will be considered, that is, excluding cases that have the same diagnosis in the 5 years (2007-2011) before the period of interest. A random sample of cases and non-cases will be selected from each administrative database and the corresponding medical charts will be assessed for validation by pairs of trained, independent reviewers. Case ascertainment within the medical charts will be based on (1) the presence of a primary nodular lesion in the breast, lung or colon-rectum, documented with imaging or endoscopy and (2) a cytological or histological documentation of cancer from a primary or metastatic site. Sensitivity and specificity with 95% CIs will be calculated. DISSEMINATION Study results will be disseminated widely through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at national and international conferences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iosief Abraha
- Health Planning Service, Regional Health Authority of Umbria, Perugia, Italy
| | - Diego Serraino
- Epidemiology and Biostatistic Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico Aviano, Aviano, Italy
| | - Gianni Giovannini
- Health Planning Service, Regional Health Authority of Umbria, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Paola Casucci
- Health ICT Service, Regional Health Authority of Umbria, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Ettore Bidoli
- Epidemiology and Biostatistic Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico Aviano, Aviano, Italy
| | - Rita Chiari
- Dipartimento di Oncologia, Azienda Ospedaliera Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Roberto Cirocchi
- Department of Digestive Surgery and Liver Unit, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - David Franchini
- Health ICT Service, Regional Health Authority of Umbria, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Mario Fusco
- Registro Tumori Regione Campania, ASL NA3 Sud, Brusciano, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Kong AL, Pezzin LE, Nattinger AB. Identifying patterns of breast cancer care provided at high-volume hospitals: a classification and regression tree analysis. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2015; 153:689-98. [DOI: 10.1007/s10549-015-3561-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Accepted: 07/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
15
|
Rovea P, Fozza A, Franco P, De Colle C, Cannizzaro A, Di Dio A, De Monte F, Rosmino C, Filippi AR, Ragona R, Ricardi U. Once-Weekly Hypofractionated Whole-Breast Radiotherapy After Breast-Conserving Surgery in Older Patients: A Potential Alternative Treatment Schedule to Daily 3-Week Hypofractionation. Clin Breast Cancer 2015; 15:270-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clbc.2014.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2014] [Revised: 12/30/2014] [Accepted: 12/31/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
|
16
|
Mahabaleshwarkar R, Khanna R, Banahan B, West-Strum D, Yang Y, Hallam JS. Impact of Preexisting Mental Illnesses on Receipt of Guideline-Consistent Breast Cancer Treatment and Health Care Utilization. Popul Health Manag 2015; 18:449-58. [PMID: 26106925 DOI: 10.1089/pop.2014.0146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This study determined the impact of preexisting mental illnesses on guideline-consistent breast cancer treatment and breast cancer-related health care utilization. This was a retrospective, longitudinal, cohort study conducted using data from the 2006-2008 Medicaid Analytic Extract files. The target population for the study consisted of female Medicaid enrollees who were aged 18-64 years and were newly diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007. Guideline-consistent breast cancer treatment was defined according to established guidelines. Breast cancer-related health care use was reported in the form of inpatient, outpatient, and emergency room visits. Statistical analyses consisted of multivariable hierarchical regression models. A total of 2142 newly diagnosed cases of breast cancer were identified. Approximately 38% of these had a preexisting mental illness. Individuals with any preexisting mental illness were less likely to receive guideline-consistent breast cancer treatment compared to those without any preexisting mental illness (adjusted odds ratio: 0.793, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.646-0.973). A negative association was observed between preexisting mental illness and breast cancer-related outpatient (adjusted incident rate ratio (AIRR): 0.917, 95% CI: 0.892-0.942) and emergency room utilization (AIRR: 0.842, 95% CI: 0.709-0.999). The association between preexisting mental illnesses and breast cancer-related inpatient utilization was statistically insignificant (AIRR: 0.993, 95% CI: 0.851-1.159). The findings of this study indicate that breast cancer patients with preexisting mental illnesses experience disparities in terms of receipt of guideline-consistent breast cancer treatment and health care utilization. The results of this study highlight the need for more focused care for patients with preexisting mental illness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rahul Khanna
- 2 Department of Pharmacy Administration, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi , University, Mississippi
| | - Benjamin Banahan
- 3 Center for Pharmaceutical Marketing and Management, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi , University, Mississippi
| | - Donna West-Strum
- 2 Department of Pharmacy Administration, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi , University, Mississippi
| | - Yi Yang
- 2 Department of Pharmacy Administration, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi , University, Mississippi
| | - Jeffrey S Hallam
- 4 Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, College of Public Health, Kent State University , Kent, Ohio
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Holleczek B, Brenner H. Provision of breast cancer care and survival in Germany - results from a population-based high resolution study from Saarland. BMC Cancer 2014; 14:757. [PMID: 25304931 PMCID: PMC4213502 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-14-757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2014] [Accepted: 09/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies on the implementation of Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) and particularly its effect on breast cancer (BRC) survival on a population-level are scant. This population-based high resolution study from Germany aims at providing data on the usage of BRC treatment, the extent of adherence to CPG and, as a novelty, survival of BRC patients according to major recommended treatment options. METHODS Data from the Saarland Cancer Registry including women diagnosed with invasive BRC without distant metastasis and followed up between 2000 and 2009 were used. Provision of cancer care according to major treatment options is presented by age, clinical subtypes of BRC, and over time. Conventional and modeled period analysis was used to derive estimates of most up-to-date 5-year relative survival (RS) and the effect of non-adherence to CPG on relative excess risk of death (RER). RESULTS The study revealed increasing guideline adherence, with high levels already seen for local treatment (e.g. 67% of the BRC patients in 2008/09 received breast conserving surgery), and substantial progress since the millennium change with regard to sentinel node dissection (SND) and adjuvant systemic treatments (e.g. SND and chemotherapy provided to 62% of all patients and 79% of the patients with nodal positive or hormone receptor negative BRC in 2008/09, respectively). It further demonstrated increased cancer related mortality among patients without guideline compliant cancer treatment (e.g. patients with nodal positive and hormone receptor negative BRC who were not treated with chemotherapy had a 5-year RS of 29% (RER: 2.89, 95% CI: 1.46-5.71) compared to 54% for patients obtaining chemotherapy). CONCLUSIONS This study provides data on the implementation of CPG in a highly developed European country and extends available population-based survival data of BRC patients and may provide evidence of increased cancer related excess mortality, if BRC patients do not receive guideline compatible treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bernd Holleczek
- />Division of Clinical Epidemiology and Aging Research, German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 581, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- />Saarland Cancer Registry, Präsident Baltz-Straße 5, 66119 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Hermann Brenner
- />Division of Clinical Epidemiology and Aging Research, German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 581, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- />German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Accelerated partial breast irradiation using 3D conformal radiotherapy: Toxicity and cosmetic outcome. Breast 2013; 22:1136-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.breast.2013.07.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2013] [Revised: 06/19/2013] [Accepted: 07/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
|
19
|
Groux P, Szucs T. Geographic disparities in access to cancer care: do patients in outlying areas talk about their access problems to their general practitioners and medical oncologists and how does that impact on the choice of chemotherapy? Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2013; 22:746-53. [DOI: 10.1111/ecc.12096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- P. Groux
- kundengerecht.ch GmbH; Huttwil Switzerland
| | - T. Szucs
- European Center of Pharmaceutical Medicine; Basel Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Schulman KL, Berenson K, Tina Shih YC, Foley KA, Ganguli A, de Souza J, Yaghmour NA, Shteynshlyuger A. A checklist for ascertaining study cohorts in oncology health services research using secondary data: report of the ISPOR oncology good outcomes research practices working group. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2013; 16:655-669. [PMID: 23796301 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2013.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The ISPOR Oncology Special Interest Group formed a working group at the end of 2010 to develop standards for conducting oncology health services research using secondary data. The first mission of the group was to develop a checklist focused on issues specific to selection of a sample of oncology patients using a secondary data source. METHODS A systematic review of the published literature from 2006 to 2010 was conducted to characterize the use of secondary data sources in oncology and inform the leadership of the working group prior to the construction of the checklist. A draft checklist was subsequently presented to the ISPOR membership in 2011 with subsequent feedback from the larger Oncology Special Interest Group also incorporated into the final checklist. RESULTS The checklist includes six elements: identification of the cancer to be studied, selection of an appropriate data source, evaluation of the applicability of published algorithms, development of custom algorithms (if needed), validation of the custom algorithm, and reporting and discussions of the ascertainment criteria. The checklist was intended to be applicable to various types of secondary data sources, including cancer registries, claims databases, electronic medical records, and others. CONCLUSIONS This checklist makes two important contributions to oncology health services research. First, it can assist decision makers and reviewers in evaluating the quality of studies using secondary data. Second, it highlights methodological issues to be considered when researchers are constructing a study cohort from a secondary data source.
Collapse
|
21
|
Sacerdote C, Bordon R, Pitarella S, Mano MP, Baldi I, Casella D, Di Cuonzo D, Frigerio A, Milanesio L, Merletti F, Pagano E, Ricceri F, Rosso S, Segnan N, Tomatis M, Ciccone G, Vineis P, Ponti A. Compliance with clinical practice guidelines for breast cancer treatment: a population-based study of quality-of-care indicators in Italy. BMC Health Serv Res 2013; 13:28. [PMID: 23351327 PMCID: PMC3566978 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6963-13-28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2011] [Accepted: 01/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background It has been documented that variations exist in breast cancer treatment despite wide dissemination of clinical practice guidelines. The aim of this population-based study was to evaluate the impact of regional guidelines (Piedmont guidelines, PGL) for breast cancer diagnosis and treatment on quality-of-care indicators in the Northwestern Italian region of Piedmont. Methods We included two samples of women aged 50–69 years with incident breast cancer treated in Piedmont before and after the introduction of PGL: 600 in 2002 (pre-PGL) and 621 in 2004 (post-PGL). Patients were randomly selected among all incident breast cancer cases identified through the hospital discharge records database. We extracted clinical data on breast cancer cases from medical charts and ascertained vital status through linkage with town offices. We assessed compliance with 14 quality-of-care indicators from PGL recommendations, before and after their introduction in clinical practice. Results Among patients with invasive lesions, 77.1% (N = 368) and 77.5% (N = 383) in the pre-PGL and post-PGL groups, respectively, received breast conservative surgery (BCS) as a first-line treatment. Following BCS, 87.7% received radiotherapy in 2002, compared to 87.9% in 2004. Of all patients at medium-to-high risk of distant metastasis, 65.5% (N = 268) and 63.6% (N = 252) received chemotherapy in 2002 and in 2004, respectively. Among the 117 patients with invasive lesions and negative estrogen receptor status in 2002, hormonal therapy was prescribed in 23 of them (19.6%). The incorrect prescription of hormonal therapy decreased to 10.8% (N = 10) among the 92 estrogen receptor-negative patients in 2004 (p < 0.01). Compliance with PGL recommendations was already high in the pre-PGL group, although some quality-of-care indicators did not reach the standard. In the pre/post analysis, 8 out of 14 quality-of-care indicators showed an improvement from 2002 to 2004, but only 4 out of 14 reached statistical significance. We did not find any change in the risk of mortality in the post-PGL versus the pre-PGL group (adjusted hazard ratio 0.94, 95%CI 0.56–1.56). Conclusions These results highlight the need to continue to improve breast cancer care and to measure adherence to PGL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlotta Sacerdote
- Cancer Epidemiology Unit, San Giovanni Battista Hospital, CPO Piemonte and University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Small but significant socioeconomic inequalities in axillary staging and treatment of breast cancer in the Netherlands. Br J Cancer 2012; 107:12-7. [PMID: 22596236 PMCID: PMC3389409 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2012.205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of sentinel node biopsy (SNB), lymph node dissection, breast-conserving surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and hormonal treatment for breast cancer was evaluated in relation to socioeconomic status (SES) in the Netherlands, where access to care was assumed to be equal. METHODS Female breast cancer patients diagnosed between 1994 and 2008 were selected from the nationwide population-based Netherlands Cancer Registry (N=176 505). Socioeconomic status was assessed based on income, employment and education at postal code level. Multivariable models included age, year of diagnosis and stage. RESULTS Sentinal node biopsy was less often applied in high-SES patients (multivariable analyses, ≤ 49 years: odds ratio (OR) 0.70 (95% CI: 0.56-0.89); 50-75 years: 0.85 (0.73-0.99)). Additionally, lymph node dissection was less common in low-SES patients aged ≥ 76 years (OR 1.34 (0.95-1.89)). Socioeconomic status-related differences in treatment were only significant in the age group 50-75 years. High-SES women with stage T1-2 were more likely to undergo breast-conserving surgery (+radiotherapy) (OR 1.15 (1.09-1.22) and OR 1.16 (1.09-1.22), respectively). Chemotherapy use among node-positive patients was higher in the high-SES group, but was not significant in multivariable analysis. Hormonal therapy was not related to SES. CONCLUSION Small but significant differences were observed in the use of SNB, lymph node dissection and breast-conserving surgery according to SES in Dutch breast cancer patients despite assumed equal access to health care.
Collapse
|
23
|
Kong AL, Yen TWF, Pezzin LE, Miao H, Sparapani RA, Laud PW, Nattinger AB. Socioeconomic and racial differences in treatment for breast cancer at a low-volume hospital. Ann Surg Oncol 2011; 18:3220-7. [PMID: 21861226 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-011-2001-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Population-based studies have revealed higher mortality among breast cancer patients treated in low-volume hospitals. Other studies have demonstrated disparities in race and socioeconomic status (SES) in breast cancer survival. The purpose of our study was to determine whether nonwhite or low-SES patients are disproportionately treated in low-volume hospitals. METHODS A population-based cohort of 2,777 Medicare breast cancer patients who underwent breast cancer surgery in 2003 participated in a survey study examining breast cancer outcomes. Information was obtained from survey responses, Medicare claims, and state tumor registry data. RESULTS On univariate analysis, patients treated at low-volume hospitals were less likely to be white, less likely to live in an urban location, and more likely to have a low SES with less social support and live a greater distance from a high-volume hospital. Education, marital status, total household income, having additional insurance besides Medicare, population density of primary residence, and tangible support were associated with distance to the nearest high-volume hospital. On multivariate analysis, the independent predictors of treatment at a low-volume hospital were being nonwhite (P = 0.003), having a lower household income (P < 0.0001), residence in a rural location (P = 0.01), and living a greater distance from a high-volume hospital (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS In this large population-based cohort, women who were poorer, nonwhite, and who lived in a rural location or at a greater distance from a high-volume hospital were more likely to be treated at low-volume hospitals. These differences may partially explain racial and SES disparities in breast cancer outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L Kong
- Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Abstract
This paper provides a synthesis on socioeconomic inequalities in cancer incidence, mortality and survival across countries and within countries, with particular focus on the Italian context; the paper also describes the underlying mechanisms documented for cancer incidence, and reports some remarks on policies to tackle inequalities.From a worldwide perspective, the burden of cancer appears to be particularly increasing in developing countries, where many cancers with a poor prognosis (liver, stomach and oesophagus) are much more common than in richer countries. As in the case of incidence and mortality, also in cancer survival we observe a great variability across countries. Different studies have suggested a possible impact of health care on the social gradients in cancer survival, even in countries with a National Health System providing equitable access to care.In developed countries, there is increasing awareness of social inequalities as an important public health issue; as a consequence, there is a variety of strategies and policies being implemented throughout Europe. However, recent reviews emphasize that present knowledge on effectiveness of policies and interventions on health inequalities is not sufficient to offer a robust and evidence-based guide to the choice and design of interventions, and that more evaluation studies are needed.The large disparities in health that we can measure within and between countries represent a challenge to the world; social health inequalities are avoidable, and their reduction therefore represents an achievable goal and an ethical imperative.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Franco Merletti
- Center for Cancer Prevention, University of Turin, San Giovanni Battista University Hospital, Italy.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Athanasakis K, Souliotis K, Kyriopoulos EJ, Loukidou E, Kritikou P, Kyriopoulos J. Inequalities in access to cancer treatment: an analysis of cross-regional patient mobility in Greece. Support Care Cancer 2011; 20:455-60. [DOI: 10.1007/s00520-011-1093-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2010] [Accepted: 01/10/2011] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
|
26
|
Breast cancer care compared with clinical Guidelines: an observational study in France. BMC Public Health 2011; 11:45. [PMID: 21251274 PMCID: PMC3037311 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-11-45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2010] [Accepted: 01/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Great variability in breast cancer (BC) treatment practices according to patient, tumour or organisation of care characteristics has been reported but the relation between these factors is not well known. In two French regions, we measured compliance with Clinical Practice Guidelines for non-metastatic BC care management and identified factors associated with non-compliance at clinical and organisational levels. Methods Eligible patients had invasive unilateral BC without distant metastases and at least two contacts with one of the two regional healthcare systems (2003-2004) in the first year after diagnosis. Medical data were collected from patient medical records in all public and private hospitals (99 hospitals). The care process was defined by 20 criteria: clinical decisions for treatment and therapeutic procedures. Each criterion was classified according to level of compliance ("Compliant", "Justifiable" and "Not Compliant") and factors of non-compliance were identified (mixed effect logistic regression). Results 926 women were included. Non-compliance with clinical decisions for treatment was associated with older patient age (OR 2.1; 95%CI: 1.3-3.6) and region (OR 3.0; 95%CI: 1.2-7.4). Non-compliance with clinical decisions for radiotherapy was associated with lymph node involvement or the presence of peritumoural vascular invasion (OR 1.5; 95%CI: 1.01-2.3) and non-compliance with overall treatment (clinical decisions for treatment + therapeutic procedures) was associated with the presence of positive lymph nodes (OR 2.0; 95%CI: 1.2-3.3), grade III versus grade I (OR 2.9; 95%CI: 1.4-6.2), and one region of care versus another (OR 3.5; 95%CI: 1.7-7.1). Finally, heterogeneity of compliance in overall treatment sequence was identified between local cancer units (p < 0.05). Conclusion This study provides interesting insights into factors of non-compliance in non-metastatic BC management and could lead to quality care improvements.
Collapse
|
27
|
Chien CR, Pan IW, Tsai YW, Tsai T, Liang JA, Buchholz TA, Shih YCT. Radiation therapy after breast-conserving surgery: does hospital surgical volume matter? A population-based study in Taiwan. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2010; 82:43-50. [PMID: 21075558 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2010.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2010] [Revised: 09/02/2010] [Accepted: 09/12/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine the association between hospital surgical volume and the use of radiation therapy (RT) after breast-conserving surgery (BCS) in Taiwan. METHODS AND MATERIALS We used claims data from the National Health Insurance program in Taiwan (1997-2005) in this retrospective population-based study. We identified patients with breast cancer, receipt of BCS, use of radiation, and the factors that could potentially associated with the use of RT from enrollment records, and the ICD-9 and billing codes in claims. We conducted logistic regression to examine factors associated with RT use after BCS, and performed subgroup analyses to examine whether the association differs by medical center status or hospital volumes. RESULTS Among 5,094 patients with newly diagnosed invasive breast cancer who underwent BCS, the rate of RT was significantly lower in low-volume hospitals (74% vs. 82%, p < 0.01). Patients treated in low-volume hospitals were less likely to receive RT after BCS (odds ratio = 0.72, 95% confidence interval = 0.62-0.83). In addition, patients treated after the implementation of the voluntary pay-for-performance policy in 2001 were more likely to receive RT (odds ratio = 1.23; 95% confidence interval = 1.05-1.45). Subgroup analyses indicated that the high-volume effect was limited to hospitals accredited as non-medical centers, and that the effect of the pay-for-performance policy was most pronounced among low-volume hospitals. CONCLUSIONS Using population-based data from Taiwan, our study concluded that hospital surgical volume and pay-for-performance policy are positively associated with RT use after BCS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Ru Chien
- Section of Health Services Research, Department of Biostatistics, Division of Quantitative Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77230-1402, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Pagano E, Filippini C, Di Cuonzo D, Ruffini E, Zanetti R, Rosso S, Bertetto O, Merletti F, Ciccone G. Factors affecting pattern of care and survival in a population-based cohort of non-small-cell lung cancer incident cases. Cancer Epidemiol 2010; 34:483-9. [PMID: 20444663 DOI: 10.1016/j.canep.2010.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2009] [Revised: 04/02/2010] [Accepted: 04/04/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze the role of sociodemographic factors as determinants of the initial pattern of care and survival in incident NSCLC cases. METHODS We linked 2298 incident NSCLC cases, identified by the Piedmont Cancer Registry of Turin (PCRT) with administrative health records to identify the initial pattern of care. Because stage of disease strongly influences pattern of care and prognosis of NSCLC, all the analyses were stratified according to stage (early and advanced). The association between the set of patient's characteristics and the probability of accessing a specific pattern of care was analysed with a multivariable multinomial logistic regression model. Survival was analysed with the Cox proportional hazard model. RESULTS In the early stage group, presence of comorbidities, older age and low educational level were all associated with a lower probability of receiving surgery. These same factors, as well as being unmarried, were associated with higher probability of receiving other non-curative care only. The effects of comorbidities and low educational level as barriers to receiving more effective patterns of care were not relevant in the advanced stage group. When controlling for initial patterns of care, in the early stage group, an age older than 75 years and being unmarried were negative prognostic factors, while survival was completely independent from educational level. Among patients with an advanced stage of disease, only comorbidities had a negative impact on survival. CONCLUSION Appropriate lung cancer care is affected by sociodemographic factors. Greater attention to social and health programs is recommended to improve the timeliness of diagnosis, the staging of potentially resectable patients, and to implement more comprehensive multidisciplinary evaluations of those who may benefit from curative treatments.
Collapse
|