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Khan MMM, Munir MM, Khalil M, Tsilimigras DI, Woldesenbet S, Endo Y, Katayama E, Rashid Z, Cunningham L, Kaladay M, Pawlik TM. Association of county-level provider density and social vulnerability with colorectal cancer-related mortality. Surgery 2024; 176:44-50. [PMID: 38729889 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2024.03.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health care providers play a crucial role in increasing overall awareness, screening, and treatment of cancer, leading to reduced cancer mortality. We sought to characterize the impact of provider density on colorectal cancer population-level mortality. METHODS County-level provider data, obtained from the Area Health Resource File between 2016 and 2018, were used to calculate provider density per county. These data were merged with county-level colorectal cancer mortality 2016-2020 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Multivariable regression was performed to define the association between provider density and colorectal cancer mortality. RESULTS Among 2,863 counties included in the analytic cohort, 1,132 (39.5%) and 1,731 (60.5%) counties were categorized as urban and rural, respectively. The colorectal cancer-related crude mortality rate was higher in counties with low provider density versus counties with moderate or high provider density (low = 22.9, moderate = 21.6, high = 19.3 per 100,000 individuals; P < .001). On multivariable analysis, the odds of colorectal cancer mortality were lower in counties with moderate and high provider density versus counties with low provider density (moderate odds ratio 0.97, 95% confidence interval 0.94-0.99; high odds ratio 0.88, 95% confidence interval 0.86-0.91). High provider density remained associated with a lower likelihood of colorectal cancer mortality independent of social vulnerability index (low social vulnerability index and high provider density: odds ratio 0.85, 95% confidence interval 0.81-0.89; high social vulnerability index and high provider density: odds ratio 0.93, 95% confidence interval 0.89-0.98). CONCLUSION Regardless of social vulnerability index, high county-level provider density was associated with lower colorectal cancer-related mortality. Efforts to increase access to health care providers may improve health care equity, as well as long-term cancer outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Muntazir Mehdi Khan
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Muhammad Musaab Munir
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Mujtaba Khalil
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Diamantis I Tsilimigras
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Selamawit Woldesenbet
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Yutaka Endo
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Erryk Katayama
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Zayed Rashid
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Lisa Cunningham
- Department of Surgery, Division of Colorectal Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Matthew Kaladay
- Department of Surgery, Division of Colorectal Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Timothy M Pawlik
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH.
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Moen EL, Schmidt RO, Onega T, Brooks GA, O’Malley AJ. Association between a network-based physician linchpin score and cancer patient mortality: a SEER-Medicare analysis. J Natl Cancer Inst 2024; 116:230-238. [PMID: 37676831 PMCID: PMC10852616 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djad180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with cancer frequently require multidisciplinary teams for optimal cancer outcomes. Network analysis can capture relationships among cancer specialists, and we developed a novel physician linchpin score to characterize "linchpin" physicians whose peers have fewer ties to other physicians of the same oncologic specialty. Our study examined whether being treated by a linchpin physician was associated with worse survival. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, we analyzed Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare data for patients diagnosed with stage I to III non-small cell lung cancer or colorectal cancer (CRC) in 2016-2017. We assembled patient-sharing networks and calculated linchpin scores for medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and surgeons. Physicians were considered linchpins if their linchpin score was within the top 15% for their specialty. We used Cox proportional hazards models to examine associations between being treated by a linchpin physician and survival, with a 2-year follow-up period. RESULTS The study cohort included 10 081 patients with non-small cell lung cancer and 9036 patients with CRC. Patients with lung cancer treated by a linchpin radiation oncologist had a 17% (95% confidence interval = 1.04 to 1.32) greater hazard of mortality, and similar trends were observed for linchpin medical oncologists. Patients with CRC treated by a linchpin surgeon had a 22% (95% confidence interval = 1.03 to 1.43) greater hazard of mortality. CONCLUSIONS In an analysis of Medicare beneficiaries with nonmetastatic lung cancer or CRC, those treated by linchpin physicians often experienced worse survival. Efforts to improve outcomes can use network analysis to identify areas with reduced access to multidisciplinary specialists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika L Moen
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
- Dartmouth Cancer Center, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Rachel O Schmidt
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Tracy Onega
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Department of Population Health Science, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Gabriel A Brooks
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
- Dartmouth Cancer Center, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
- Department of Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - A James O’Malley
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
- Dartmouth Cancer Center, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
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Zhang Y, Leifheit KM, Lee KT, Thorpe RJ, Gaskin DJ, Dean LT. The Association of Oncology Provider Density With Black-White Disparities in Cancer Mortality in US Counties. Cancer Control 2024; 31:10732748241244929. [PMID: 38607968 PMCID: PMC11015762 DOI: 10.1177/10732748241244929] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Black-White racial disparities in cancer mortality are well-documented in the US. Given the estimated shortage of oncologists over the next decade, understanding how access to oncology care might influence cancer disparities is of considerable importance. We aim to examine the association between oncology provider density in a county and Black-White cancer mortality disparities. METHODS An ecological study of 1048 US counties was performed. Oncology provider density was estimated using the 2013 National Plan and Provider Enumeration System data. Black:White cancer mortality ratio was calculated using 2014-2018 age-standardized cancer mortality rates from State Cancer Profiles. Linear regression with covariate adjustment was constructed to assess the association of provider density with (1) Black:White cancer mortality ratio, and (2) cancer mortality rates overall, and separately among Black and White persons. RESULTS The mean Black:White cancer mortality ratio was 1.12, indicating that cancer mortality rate among Black persons was on average 12% higher than that among White persons. Oncology provider density was significantly associated with greater cancer mortality disparities: every 5 additional oncology providers per 100 000 in a county was associated with a .02 increase in the Black:White cancer mortality ratio (95% CI: .007 to .03); however, the unexpected finding may be explained by further analysis showing that the relationship between oncology provider density and cancer mortality was different by race group. Every 5 additional oncologists per 100 000 was associated with a 1.6 decrease per 100 000 in cancer mortality rates among White persons (95% CI: -3.0 to -.2), whereas oncology provider density was not associated with cancer mortality among Black persons. CONCLUSION Greater oncology provider density was associated with significantly lower cancer mortality among White persons, but not among Black persons. Higher oncology provider density alone may not resolve cancer mortality disparities, thus attention to ensuring equitable care is critical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuehan Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kathryn M. Leifheit
- Department of Health Policy & Management, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kimberley T. Lee
- Departments of Breast Oncology and Health Outcomes and Behavior, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Roland J. Thorpe
- Hopkins Center for Health Disparities Solutions, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Health Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Darrell J. Gaskin
- Hopkins Center for Health Disparities Solutions, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lorraine T. Dean
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Oncology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Praeder R, Solberg T, Yorke AA. Underserved communities in the radiation therapy land of plenty - Physicists' perspective. J Appl Clin Med Phys 2024; 25:e14252. [PMID: 38174822 PMCID: PMC10795431 DOI: 10.1002/acm2.14252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Timothy Solberg
- Department of Radiation OncologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Afua A. Yorke
- Department of Radiation OncologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
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Amiri S, Greer MD, Muller CJ, Johansson P, Petras A, Allick CC, London SM, Abbey MC, Halasz LM, Buchwald DS. Disparities in Access to Radiation Therapy by Race and Ethnicity in the United States With Focus on American Indian/Alaska Native People. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2022; 25:1929-1938. [PMID: 35525833 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2022.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Striking disparities in access to radiation therapy (RT) exist, especially among racial and ethnic-minority patients. We analyzed census block group data to evaluate differences in travel distance to RT as a function of race and ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and rurality. METHODS The Directory of Radiotherapy Centers provided the addresses of facilities containing linear accelerators for RT. We classified block groups as majority (≥ 50%) American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN), black, white, Asian, no single racial majority, or Hispanic regardless of race. We used the Area Deprivation Index to classify deprivation and Rural-Urban Commuting Area codes to classify rurality. Generalized linear mixed models tested associations between these factors and distance to nearest RT facility. RESULTS Median distance to nearest RT facility was 72 miles in AI/AN-majority block groups, but 4 to 7 miles in block groups with non-AI/AN majorities. Multivariable models estimated that travel distances in AI/AN-majority block groups were 39 to 41 miles longer than in areas with non-AI/AN majorities. Travel distance was 1.3 miles longer in the more deprived areas versus less deprived areas and 16 to 32 miles longer in micropolitan, small town, and rural areas versus metropolitan areas. CONCLUSIONS Cancer patients in block groups with AI/AN-majority populations, nonmetropolitan location, and low socioeconomic status experience substantial travel disparities in access to RT. Future research with more granular community- and individual-level data should explore the many other known barriers to access to cancer care and their relationship to the barriers posed by distance to RT care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solmaz Amiri
- Institute for Research and Education to Advance Community Health, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Matthew D Greer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Clemma J Muller
- Institute for Research and Education to Advance Community Health, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Patrik Johansson
- Institute for Research and Education to Advance Community Health, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Anthippy Petras
- Institute for Research and Education to Advance Community Health, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Cole C Allick
- Institute for Research and Education to Advance Community Health, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sara M London
- Institute for Research and Education to Advance Community Health, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Morgan C Abbey
- Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, USA
| | - Lia M Halasz
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Dedra S Buchwald
- Institute for Research and Education to Advance Community Health, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Seattle, WA, USA
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Orthopaedic Surgeon Distribution in the United States. J Am Acad Orthop Surg 2022; 30:e1188-e1194. [PMID: 36166390 DOI: 10.5435/jaaos-d-22-00271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is limited research on the supply and distribution of orthopaedic surgeons in the United States. The goal of this study was to analyze the association of orthopaedic surgeon distribution in the United States with geographic and sociodemographic factors. METHODS County-level data from the US Department of Health and Human Services Area Health Resources Files were used to determine the density of orthopaedic surgeons across the United States on a county level. Data were examined from 2000 to 2019 to analyze trends over time. Bivariate and multivariable negative binomial regression models were constructed to identify county-level sociodemographic factors associated with orthopaedic surgeon density. RESULTS In 2019, 51% of the counties in the United States did not have an orthopaedic surgeon. Metropolitan counties had a mean of 22 orthopaedic surgeons per 100,000 persons while nonmetropolitan and rural counties had a mean of 2 and 0.1 orthopaedic surgeons per 100,000 persons, respectively. Over the past 2 decades, there was a significant increase in the percentage of orthopaedic surgeons in metropolitan counties (77% in 2000 vs 93% in 2019, P < 0.001) and in the proportion of orthopaedic surgeons 55 years and older (32% in 2000 vs 39% in 2019, P < 0.001). Orthopaedic surgeon density increased with increasing median home value (P < 0.001) and median household income (P < 0.001). Counties with a higher percentage of persons in poverty (P < 0.001) and higher unemployment rate (P < 0.001) and nonmetropolitan (P < 0.001) and rural (P < 0.001) counties had a lower density of orthopaedic surgeons. On multivariable analysis, a model consisting of median home value (P < 0.001), rural counties (P < 0.001), percentage of noninsured persons (P < 0.001), and percentage of foreign-born persons (P < 0.001) predicted orthopaedic surgeon density. CONCLUSION Access to orthopaedic surgeons in the United States in rural areas is decreasing over time. County-level socioeconomic factors such as wealth and urbanization were found to be closely related with surgeon density.
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Park Y, Quinn JW, Hurvitz PM, Hirsch JA, Goldsmith J, Neckerman KM, Lovasi GS, Rundle AG. Addressing patient’s unmet social needs: disparities in access to social services in the United States from 1990 to 2014, a national times series study. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:367. [PMID: 35305617 PMCID: PMC8934473 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-07749-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To address patient’s unmet social needs and improve health outcomes, health systems have developed programs to refer patients in need to social service agencies. However, the capacity to respond to patient referrals varies tremendously across communities. This study assesses the emergence of disparities in spatial access to social services from 1990 to 2014. Methods Social service providers in the lower 48 continental U.S. states were identified annually from 1990 to 2014 from the National Establishment Times Series (NETS) database. The addresses of providers were linked in each year to 2010 US Census tract geometries. Time series analyses of annual counts of services per Km2 were conducted using Generalized Estimating Equations with tracts stratified into tertiles of 1990 population density, quartiles of 1990 poverty rate and quartiles of 1990 to 2010 change in median household income. Results Throughout the period, social service agencies/Km2 increased across tracts. For high population density tracts, in the top quartile of 1990 poverty rate, compared to tracts that experienced the steepest declines in median household income from 1990 to 2010, tracts that experienced the largest increases in income had more services (+ 1.53/Km2, 95% CI 1.23, 1.83) in 1990 and also experienced the steepest increases in services from 1990 to 2010: a 0.09 services/Km2/year greater increase (95% CI 0.07, 0.11). Similar results were observed for high poverty tracts in the middle third of population density, but not in tracts in the lowest third of population density, where there were very few providers. Conclusion From 1990 to 2014 a spatial mismatch emerged between the availability of social services and the expected need for social services as the population characteristics of neighborhoods changed. High poverty tracts that experienced further economic decline from 1990 to 2010, began the period with the lowest access to services and experienced the smallest increases in access to services. Access was highest and grew the fastest in high poverty tracts that experienced the largest increases in median household income. We theorize that agglomeration benefits and the marketization of welfare may explain the emergence of this spatial mismatch.
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Herb J, Holmes M, Stitzenberg K. Trends in rural‐urban disparities among surgical specialties treating cancer, 2004‐2017. J Rural Health 2022; 38:838-844. [DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Herb
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill North Carolina USA
- Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill North Carolina USA
| | - Mark Holmes
- Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill North Carolina USA
| | - Karyn Stitzenberg
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill North Carolina USA
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Maroongroge S, Wallington DG, Taylor PA, Zhu D, Guadagnolo BA, Smith BD, Yu JB, Ballas LK. Geographic Access to Radiation Therapy Facilities in the United States. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2021; 112:600-610. [PMID: 34762972 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2021.10.144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The current distribution of radiation therapy (RT) facilities in the US is not well established. A comprehensive inventory of US RT facilities was last assessed in 2005, based on data from state regulatory agencies and dosimetric quality assurance bodies. We updated this database to characterize population-level measures of geographic access to RT and analyze changes over the past 15 years. METHODS We compiled data from regulatory and accrediting organizations to identify US facilities with linear accelerators used to treat humans in 2018-2020. Addresses were geocoded and analyzed with Geographic Information Services (GIS) software. Geographic access was characterized by assessing the Euclidian distance between zip code tabulation areas (ZCTA)/county centroids and RT facilities. Populations were assigned to each county to estimate the impact of facility changes at the population level. Logistic regressions were performed to identify features associated with increased distance to RT and associated with regions that gained an RT facility between the two time points studied. RESULTS In 2020, a total of 2,313 US RT facilities were reported compared to 1,987 in 2005, representing a 16.4% growth in facilities over nearly 15 years. Based on population attribution to ZCTA centroids, 77.9% of the US population lives within 12.5 miles of an RT facility, and 1.8% of the US population lives more than 50 miles from an RT facility. We found that increased distance to RT was associated with non-metro status, less insurance, older median age, and less populated regions. Between 2005 and 2020, the population living within 12.5 miles from an RT facility increased by 2.1 percentage points, while the population living furthest from RT facilities decreased 0.6 percentage points. Regions with improved geographic RT access are more likely to be higher income and better insured. CONCLUSION 1.8% of the US population has limited geographic access to radiation therapy. We found that people benefiting from improved access to RT facilities are more economically advantaged, suggesting disparities in geographic access may not improve without intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Maroongroge
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX.
| | | | - Paige A Taylor
- Imaging and Radiation Oncology Core Houston QA Center, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Diana Zhu
- Department of Economics, Yale University, New Haven, CT
| | - B Ashleigh Guadagnolo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Benjamin D Smith
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - James B Yu
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale University, New Haven, CT; Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy, and Effectiveness Research (COPPER) Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT
| | - Leslie K Ballas
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA
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Andkhoie M, Szafron M. Geographic disparities in Saskatchewan prostate cancer incidence and its association with physician density: analysis using Bayesian models. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:948. [PMID: 34425772 PMCID: PMC8383452 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-08646-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Saskatchewan has one of the highest incidence of prostate cancer (PCa) in Canada. This study assesses if geographic factors in Saskatchewan, including location of where patients live and physician density are affecting the PCa incidence. First, the objective of this study is to estimate the PCa standardized incidence ratio (SIRs) in Saskatchewan stratified by PCa risk-level. Second, this study identifies clusters of higher than and lower than expected PCa SIRs in Saskatchewan. Lastly, this study identifies the association (if any) between family physician density and estimated PCa SIRs in Saskatchewan. METHODS First, using Global Moran's I, Local Moran's I, and the Kuldorff's Spatial Scan Statistic, the study identifies clusters of PCa stratified by risk-levels. Then this study estimates the SIRs of PCa and its association with family physician density in Saskatchewan using the Besag, York, and Mollie (BYM) Bayesian method. RESULTS Higher than expected clusters of crude estimated SIR for metastatic PCa were identified in north-east Saskatchewan and lower than expected clusters were identified in south-east Saskatchewan. Areas in north-west Saskatchewan have lower than expected crude estimated SIRs for both intermediate-risk and low-risk PCa. Family physician density was negatively associated with SIRs of metastatic PCa (IRR: 0.935 [CrI: 0.880 to 0.998]) and SIRs of high-risk PCa (IRR: 0.927 [CrI: 0.880 to 0.975]). CONCLUSIONS This study identifies the geographical disparities in risk-stratified PCa incidence in Saskatchewan. The study identifies areas with a lower family physician density have a higher-than-expected incidences of metastatic and high-risk PCa. Hence policies to increase the number of physicians should ensure an equitable geographic distribution of primary care physicians to support early detection of diseases, including PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Andkhoie
- University of Saskatchewan, 104 Clinic Place, Saskatoon, SK S7N 2Z4 Canada
| | - Michael Szafron
- University of Saskatchewan, 104 Clinic Place, Saskatoon, SK S7N 2Z4 Canada
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Siddappa Malleshappa SK, Giri S, Patel S, Mehta T, Appleman L, Huntington SF, Passero V, Parikh RA, Mehta KD. Overall survival based on oncologist density in the United States: A retrospective cohort study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250894. [PMID: 33979399 PMCID: PMC8115849 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Medically underserved areas (MUA) or health professional shortage areas (HPSA) designations are based on primary care health services availability. These designations are used in recruiting international medical graduates (IMGs) trained in primary care or subspecialty (e.g., oncology) to areas of need. Whether the MUA/HPSA designation correlates with Oncologist Density (OD) and supports IMG oncologists’ recruitment to areas of need is unknown. We evaluated the concordance of OD with the designation of MUAs/HPSAs and evaluated the impact of OD and MUA/HPSA status on overall survival. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with hematological malignancies or metastatic solid tumors in 2011 from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. SEER was linked to the American Medical Association Masterfile to calculate OD, defined as the number of oncologists per 100,000 population at the county level. We calculated the proportion of counties with MUA or HPSA designation for each OD category. Overall survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared between the OD category using a log-rank test. We identified 68,699 adult patients with hematologic malignancies or metastatic solid cancers in 609 counties. The proportion of MUA/HPSA designation was similar across counties categorized by OD (93.2%, 95.4%, 90.3%, and 91.7% in counties with <2.9, 2.9–6.5, 6.5–8.4 and >8.4 oncologists per 100K population, p = 0.7). Patients’ median survival in counties with the lowest OD was significantly lower compared to counties with the highest OD (8 vs. 11 months, p<0.0001). The difference remained statistically significant in multivariate and subgroup analysis. MUA/HPSA status was not associated with survival (HR 1.03, 95%CI 0.97–1.09, p = 0.3). MUA/HPSA designation based on primary care services is not concordant with OD. Patients in counties with lower OD correlated with inferior survival. Federal programs designed to recruit physicians in high-need areas should consider the availability of health care services beyond primary care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudeep K. Siddappa Malleshappa
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, UMass-Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA, United States of America
| | - Smith Giri
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States of America
| | - Smit Patel
- Department of Neurology, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, United States of America
| | - Tapan Mehta
- Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
| | - Leonard Appleman
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Scott F. Huntington
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Vida Passero
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Rahul A. Parikh
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States of America
| | - Kathan D. Mehta
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Ashrafzadeh S, Peters GA, Brandling-Bennett HA, Huang JT. The geographic distribution of the US pediatric dermatologist workforce: A national cross-sectional study. Pediatr Dermatol 2020; 37:1098-1105. [PMID: 32951243 DOI: 10.1111/pde.14369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND /OBJECTIVES Although 82% of pediatricians report that their patients have difficulty accessing pediatric dermatologists, the regions with greatest need for the specialty are not well-defined. We aimed to determine the geographic distribution of pediatric dermatologists relative to the number of children and pediatric generalists. METHODS We performed a cross-sectional study of all US board-certified pediatric dermatologists, generalists (defined as pediatricians and family medicine physicians), and children in 2020. Data were obtained from the Society for Pediatric Dermatology, American Board of Pediatrics, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, and US Census Bureau. Number of children, pediatric dermatologists, and pediatric generalists were tabulated in each county and state, and the distributions of pediatric dermatologists and generalists relative to the population of children were quantified with the Gini coefficient. RESULTS Of 317 pediatric dermatologists, 243 (76.7%) were women and 311 (98.1%) worked in a metropolitan county. A pediatric dermatologist was present in 41/50 (82%) states and 142/3228 (4.4%) counties. Not a single pediatric dermatologist was found in 54/92 (58.7%) counties with 100 000-199 999 children, 15/53 (28.3%) counties with 200 000-499 999 children, and 4/13 (30.8%) counties with ≥500 000 children. The Gini coefficient for the state-level distribution of pediatric dermatologists relative to population of children was 0.488 compared to 0.132 for that of pediatric generalists. CONCLUSION There is a maldistribution of pediatric dermatologists, resulting in children with unmet dermatologic needs in nine states and 96 heavily populated counties. These results can inform initiatives to recruit pediatric dermatologists and to expand telehealth access to specific high-density areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepideh Ashrafzadeh
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Dermatology Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gregory A Peters
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Jennifer T Huang
- Dermatology Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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13
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Gadkaree SK, McCarty JC, Feng AL, Siu JM, Burks CA, Deschler DG, Richmon JD, Varvares MA, Bergmark RW. Role of physician density in predicting stage and survival for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Head Neck 2020; 43:438-448. [PMID: 33015935 DOI: 10.1002/hed.26495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identifying and linking barriers to access to head and neck cancer care, specifically provider density, to stage of diagnosis and survival outcomes is important to serve as a foundation for policy interventions. METHODS Retrospective cohort study using patients with head and neck squamous cell (HNSCC) in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database from 2007 to 2016 and Area Resource File. Primary outcomes included stage of presentation and cancer-specific 5-year survival and relation to provider density. RESULTS The initial cohort consisted of 18 342 patients with oral cavity, 21 809 oropharyngeal, 15 860 laryngeal, and 2887 patients with hypopharyngeal malignancy. Non-Hispanic Black race and being uninsured increased the odds of presenting with advanced stage HNSCC and increased hazard of death. There was no significant and consistent association identified between Health Service Areas provider density and advanced stage at diagnosis or cancer-specific 5-year mortality. CONCLUSIONS Provider density of otolaryngologists and primary care physicians and dentists was not significantly associated with stage of presentation or cancer-specific survival for HNSCC while race and insurance status remained independent predictors for worse outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shekhar K Gadkaree
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Justin C McCarty
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Surgery, St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Allen L Feng
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jennifer M Siu
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Otolaryngology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, USA
| | - Ciersten A Burks
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Daniel G Deschler
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jeremy D Richmon
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mark A Varvares
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Regan W Bergmark
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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14
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Alleyne-Mike K, Sylvester P, Henderson-Suite V, Mohoyodeen T. Radiotherapy in the Caribbean: a spotlight on the human resource and equipment challenges among CARICOM nations. HUMAN RESOURCES FOR HEALTH 2020; 18:49. [PMID: 32680524 PMCID: PMC7367401 DOI: 10.1186/s12960-020-00489-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is limited data on access to radiotherapy services for CARICOM nations. METHODS This was a descriptive mixed-methods observational study which used data collected via survey from staff working in Radiation Oncology in 14 CARICOM countries. Benchmark recommendations from the International Atomic Energy Agency were compared to existing numbers. The Directory of Radiotherapy Centers, World Bank, and Global Cancer Observatory databases were all accessed to provide information on radiotherapy machines in the region, population statistics, and cancer incidence data respectively. Both population and cancer incidence-based analyses were undertaken to facilitate an exhaustive review. RESULTS Radiotherapy machines were present in only 50% of the countries. Brachytherapy services were performed in only six countries (42.9%). There were a total of 15 external beam machines, 22 radiation oncologists, 22 medical physicists, and 60 radiation therapists across all nations. Utilizing patient-based data, the requirement for machines, radiation oncologists, medical physicists, and radiation therapists was 40, 66, 44, and 106, respectively. Only four (28.6%) countries had sufficient radiation oncologists. Five (35.7%) countries had enough medical physicists and radiation therapists. Utilizing population-based data, the necessary number of machines, radiation oncologists, and medical physicists was 105, 186, and 96 respectively. Only one county (7.1%) had an adequate number of radiation oncologists. The number of medical physicists was sufficient in just three countries (21.4%). There were no International Atomic Energy Agency population guidelines for assessing radiation therapists. A lower economic index was associated with a larger patient/population to machine ratio. Consequentially, Haiti had the most significant challenge with staffing and equipment requirements, when compared to all other countries, regardless of the evaluative criteria. Depending on the mode of assessment, Haiti's individual needs accounted for 37.5% (patient-based) to 59.0% (population-based) of required machines, 40.1% (patient-based) to 59.7% (population-based) of needed radiation oncologists, 38.6% (patient-based) to 58.3% (population-based) of medical physicists, and 42.5% (patient-based) of radiation therapists. CONCLUSION There are severe deficiencies in radiotherapy services among CARICOM nations. Regardless of the method of comparative analysis, the current allocation of equipment and staffing scarcely meets 50% of regional requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kellie Alleyne-Mike
- National Radiotherapy Centre, 112 Western Main Road, St. James, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.
| | - Pearse Sylvester
- National Radiotherapy Centre, 112 Western Main Road, St. James, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - Vladimir Henderson-Suite
- National Radiotherapy Centre, 112 Western Main Road, St. James, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - Thana Mohoyodeen
- Port of Spain General Hospital, 61 Charlotte Street, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
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15
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Griesshammer E, Adam H, Sibert NT, Wesselmann S. Implementing quality metrics in European Cancer Centers (ECCs). World J Urol 2020; 39:49-56. [PMID: 32253584 DOI: 10.1007/s00345-020-03165-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Since 2014, prostate cancer centers outside Germany (PCCoG) are eligible for certification according to the criteria set out by the German Cancer Society (DKG). These centers must fulfill the same requirements as their German counterparts. The article reports on the experiences of the first nine certified PCCoG, with a focus on their indicator results. METHOD Following a descriptive analysis about primary case distribution, indicator definitions, and patient numbers, we compared indicator results for all 114 German PCC with all 9 PCCoG that have been certified for at least 3 years. Median centers' proportion was calculated and overall proportion for every indicator. Two-sided Cochran-Armitage tests were applied to detect trends over time. RESULTS The number of primary cases increased for both groups steadily from 2015 to 2017 as did fulfillment of most other indicators including PCa guideline-derived indicators. Requirements that proved to be hard to fulfill for PCCoG initially included psycho-oncological services (POS) and social service counselling (SCC). Fulfillment of POS requirements improved in the following years after initial certification in PCCoG. SCC rates remain low in PCCoG due to the different health system structures. CONCLUSION Acquiring a certificate by the DKG is achievable for PCCoG. Candidate centers need to be aware that substantial effort is required to fulfill the criteria, but once this is done, typically an improvement of indicators and an increase in patient numbers can be observed. Different health-care systems need to be taken into consideration and the certification requirements adapted in different areas to allow country-specific implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Henning Adam
- German Cancer Society, Kuno-Fischer-Strasse 8, 14057, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nora Tabea Sibert
- German Cancer Society, Kuno-Fischer-Strasse 8, 14057, Berlin, Germany
| | - Simone Wesselmann
- German Cancer Society, Kuno-Fischer-Strasse 8, 14057, Berlin, Germany
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16
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Longacre CF, Neprash HT, Shippee ND, Tuttle TM, Virnig BA. Evaluating Travel Distance to Radiation Facilities Among Rural and Urban Breast Cancer Patients in the Medicare Population. J Rural Health 2019; 36:334-346. [PMID: 31846127 DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The distance patients travel for specialty care is an important barrier to health care access, particularly for those living in rural areas. This study characterizes the actual distance older breast cancer patients traveled to radiation treatment and the minimum distance necessary to reach radiation care, and examines whether any patient demographic or clinical factors are associated with greater travel distance. METHODS We used data from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER)-Medicare database. Our cohort included 52,317 women diagnosed with breast cancer between 2004 and 2013. Driving distances were calculated using Google Maps. We used generalized estimating equations to estimate associations between patient demographic and disease variables and travel distance. FINDINGS Patients living in rural areas traveled on average nearly 3 times as far as those from urban areas (40.8 miles vs 15.4 miles), and their nearest facility was more than 4 times farther away (21.9 miles vs 4.8 miles). Older age, being single or widowed, and lower household income were significantly associated with shorter actual travel distance, while increasing rurality was significantly associated with greater actual and minimum travel distance to radiation treatment. Disease severity (stage, grade, etc) was not significantly associated with actual or minimum travel distance. CONCLUSIONS In this insured population, travel distance to radiation facilities may pose a significant burden for breast cancer patients, particularly among those living in rural areas. Policymakers and patient advocates should explore service delivery models, reimbursement models, and social supports aimed at reducing the impact of travel to radiation treatment for breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen F Longacre
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Hannah T Neprash
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Nathan D Shippee
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Todd M Tuttle
- Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Beth A Virnig
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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17
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The Caribbean Community Clinical Oncology Workforce: Analyzing Where We Are Today and Projecting for Tomorrow. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2018; 2018:7286281. [PMID: 29849631 PMCID: PMC5925012 DOI: 10.1155/2018/7286281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Revised: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To analyze the current physician clinical oncological workforce within the CARICOM full member states with an aim to make recommendations for building capacity. Methods A questionnaire was prepared and emailed to professionals working in oncology in 14 CARICOM full member countries. It was designed to identify the number of specialists providing hematology, medical oncology, and radiotherapy services. Results Ten countries (71.4%) supplied information. Oncology services were insufficient in the majority of countries. Hematology proved to be the most adequately staffed with six countries (60%) having the recommended number of specialists. Medical oncology services were deficient in five countries (50%). Radiation oncology services were the most limited with nine countries (90%) unable to provide the required quota of specialists. The majority of the workforce consisted of nonnationals (55%). The remaining practitioners were nationals, and of these 50% were regionally trained. Oncological care was primarily offered within the public sector. Conclusion Oncological staffing within the CARICOM full member states is insufficient to meet the demands of the current population. Encouraging training through locoregional or international programs is key to obtaining the numbers required. Cancer registries will help provide data to influence public policy and improve the oncological healthcare system.
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18
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Kim JH, Sun HY, Kim HJ, Ko YM, Chun DI, Park JY. Does uneven geographic distribution of urologists effect bladder and prostate cancers mortality? National health insurance data in Korea from 2007-2011. Oncotarget 2017; 8:65292-65301. [PMID: 29029431 PMCID: PMC5630331 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.18036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The relationship between distribution of urologists and mortality of bladder and prostate cancers has not been clearly established. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between uneven distribution of urologists and urologic cancer specific mortality at country level. Data from the National Health Insurance Service and National Statistical Office in Korea from 2007 to 2011 were analyzed in this ecological study. Univariate and multivariable regression analyses were performed to determine risk factors for age standardized mortality rates (ASMR) of bladder and prostate cancers. Linear regression analysis showed a markedly (p < 0.001) uneven distribution of urologists between metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas. There was no significant difference in cancer specific ASMRs for either bladder cancer or prostate cancer. Univariate analysis after adjusting for time showed that country area, urologist density, and income were significant factors affecting bladder cancer incidence (p < 0.001, p = 0.013, and p < 0.001, respectively). It also showed that the number of training hospitals was a significant factor for prostate cancer incidence (p = 0.002). Although country area showed borderline significance (p = 0.056) for ASMR of bladder cancer, urologist density was not related to ASMR of bladder cancer or prostate cancer. Although there was a marked difference in urologist density between metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas for these years analyzed, mortality rates of bladder and prostate cancers were not significantly affected by country area or urologist density.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Heon Kim
- Department of Urology, Soonchunhyang University Hospital, Soonchuhyang University Medical College, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hwa Yeon Sun
- Department of Urology, Soonchunhyang University Hospital, Soonchuhyang University Medical College, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyun Jung Kim
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Myoung Ko
- Department of Industrial and Management Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Korea
| | - Dong-Il Chun
- Department of Orthopaedics, Soonchunhyang University Hospital, Soonchuhyang University Medical College, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae Young Park
- Department of Urology, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Ansan, Korea
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Gilbert SM, Pow-Sang JM, Xiao H. Geographical Factors Associated with Health Disparities in Prostate Cancer. Cancer Control 2016; 23:401-408. [DOI: 10.1177/107327481602300411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Treatment variation in prostate cancer is common, and it is driven by clinical and clinician factors, patient preferences, availability of resources, and access to physicians and treating facilities. Most research on treatment disparities in men with prostate cancer has focused on race and socioeconomic factors. However, the geography of disparities — capturing racial and socioeconomic differences based on where patients live — can provide insight into barriers to care and help identify outlier areas in which access to care, health resources, or both are more pronounced. Methods Research regarding treatment patterns and disparities in prostate cancer using the Geographical Information System (GIS) was searched. Studies were limited to English-language articles and research focused on US populations. A total of 43 articles were found; of those, 30 provided information about or used spatial or geographical analyses to assess and describe differences or disparities in prostate cancer and its treatment. Two additional GIS resources were included. Results The research on geographical and spatial determinants of prostate cancer disparities was reviewed. We also examined geographical analyses at the state level, focusing on Florida. Overall, we described a geographical framework to disparities that affect men with prostate cancer and reviewed existing published evidence supporting the interplay of geographical factors and disparities in prostate cancer. Conclusions Disparities in prostate cancer are common and persistent, and notable differences in treatment are observable across racial and socioeconomic strata. Geographical analysis provides additional information about where disparate groups live and also helps to map access to care. This information can be used by public health officials, health-systems administrators, clinicians, and policymakers to better understand and respond to geographical barriers that contribute to disparities in care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott M. Gilbert
- Departments of Genitourinary Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
- Health Outcomes and Behavior, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Julio M. Pow-Sang
- Health Outcomes and Behavior, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Hong Xiao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
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Albarrak J, Firouzbakht A, Peixoto RD, Ho MY, Cheung WY. Correlation between County-Level Surgeon Density and Mortality from Colorectal Cancer. J Gastrointest Cancer 2016; 47:389-395. [DOI: 10.1007/s12029-016-9834-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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21
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Lin CC, Bruinooge SS, Kirkwood MK, Hershman DL, Jemal A, Guadagnolo BA, Yu JB, Hopkins S, Goldstein M, Bajorin D, Giordano SH, Kosty M, Arnone A, Hanley A, Stevens S, Olsen C. Association Between Geographic Access to Cancer Care and Receipt of Radiation Therapy for Rectal Cancer. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2015; 94:719-28. [PMID: 26972644 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2015.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Revised: 11/18/2015] [Accepted: 12/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Trimodality therapy (chemoradiation and surgery) is the standard of care for stage II/III rectal cancer but nearly one third of patients do not receive radiation therapy (RT). We examined the relationship between the density of radiation oncologists and the travel distance to receipt of RT. METHODS AND MATERIALS A retrospective study based on the National Cancer Data Base identified 26,845 patients aged 18 to 80 years with stage II/III rectal cancer diagnosed from 2007 to 2010. Radiation oncologists were identified through the Physician Compare dataset. Generalized estimating equations clustering by hospital service area was used to examine the association between geographic access and receipt of RT, controlling for patient sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. RESULTS Of the 26,845 patients, 70% received RT within 180 days of diagnosis or within 90 days of surgery. Compared with a travel distance of <12.5 miles, patients diagnosed at a reporting facility who traveled ≥50 miles had a decreased likelihood of receipt of RT (50-249 miles, adjusted odds ratio 0.75, P<.001; ≥250 miles, adjusted odds ratio 0.46; P=.002), all else being equal. The density level of radiation oncologists was not significantly associated with the receipt of RT. Patients who were female, nonwhite, and aged ≥50 years and had comorbidities were less likely to receive RT (P<.05). Patients who were uninsured but self-paid for their medical services, initially diagnosed elsewhere but treated at a reporting facility, and resided in Midwest had an increased the likelihood of receipt of RT (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS An increased travel burden was associated with a decreased likelihood of receiving RT for patients with stage II/III rectal cancer, all else being equal; however, radiation oncologist density was not. Further research of geographic access and establishing transportation assistance programs or lodging services for patients with an unmet need might help decrease geographic barriers and improve the quality of rectal cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - James B Yu
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | | | | | - Dean Bajorin
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | | | | | - Anna Arnone
- American Society for Radiation Oncology, Fairfax, Virginia
| | - Amy Hanley
- American Society of Clinical Oncology, Alexandria, Virginia
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22
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Quality assessment in prostate cancer centers certified by the German Cancer Society. World J Urol 2015; 34:665-72. [DOI: 10.1007/s00345-015-1688-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2015] [Accepted: 09/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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23
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Choi S. How Does Satisfaction With Medical Care Differ by Citizenship and Nativity Status?: A County-Level Multilevel Analysis. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2014; 55:735-47. [PMID: 24451897 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnt201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2013] [Accepted: 12/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY This study examined patient satisfaction among community-dwelling older adults by their citizenship and nativity statuses. Since the welfare reform of 1996, citizenship has been an important factor in determining health care access among foreign-born individuals. Little is known regarding how the perceived satisfaction of older noncitizens compares with that of U.S.-born and naturalized citizens and how it is affected by county-level contextual characteristics. DESIGN AND METHODS The 2000-2007 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey and linked Area Resource File were analyzed for 27,383 individuals (65+). Two dimensions of satisfaction (perceived access and ease of access) were examined using the Consumer Assessment of Health Plans Survey. Multilevel models were conducted using STATA. RESULTS After both individual- and county-level covariates were controlled for, noncitizens were less likely to agree that their providers had spent enough time with them (p = .03) or had sufficiently explained treatment (p = .01) compared with U.S.-born citizens. Noncitizens' overall ratings of their providers were also lower (p < .001). Among those reported needs, noncitizens reported greater difficulties in accessing acute care (p < .001), routine care (p < .001), and specialty care (p = .009). In these models, some county-level characteristics (e.g., % of foreign-born individuals) were negatively associated with individual-level satisfaction. Interestingly, noncitizens from counties with high densities of foreign-born populations had higher overall satisfaction levels than did their U.S.-born counterparts (i.e., interaction effect). IMPLICATIONS Guided by the expanded Andersen model, this study demonstrates the importance of considering both individual- and county-level contextual characteristics to accurately understand older noncitizens' access to health care and patient satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunha Choi
- College of Social Work, University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
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Goss PE, Lee BL, Badovinac-Crnjevic T, Strasser-Weippl K, Chavarri-Guerra Y, St Louis J, Villarreal-Garza C, Unger-Saldaña K, Ferreyra M, Debiasi M, Liedke PER, Touya D, Werutsky G, Higgins M, Fan L, Vasconcelos C, Cazap E, Vallejos C, Mohar A, Knaul F, Arreola H, Batura R, Luciani S, Sullivan R, Finkelstein D, Simon S, Barrios C, Kightlinger R, Gelrud A, Bychkovsky V, Lopes G, Stefani S, Blaya M, Souza FH, Santos FS, Kaemmerer A, de Azambuja E, Zorilla AFC, Murillo R, Jeronimo J, Tsu V, Carvalho A, Gil CF, Sternberg C, Dueñas-Gonzalez A, Sgroi D, Cuello M, Fresco R, Reis RM, Masera G, Gabús R, Ribeiro R, Knust R, Ismael G, Rosenblatt E, Roth B, Villa L, Solares AL, Leon MX, Torres-Vigil I, Covarrubias-Gomez A, Hernández A, Bertolino M, Schwartsmann G, Santillana S, Esteva F, Fein L, Mano M, Gomez H, Hurlbert M, Durstine A, Azenha G. Planning cancer control in Latin America and the Caribbean. Lancet Oncol 2013; 14:391-436. [PMID: 23628188 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(13)70048-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 316] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Non-communicable diseases, including cancer, are overtaking infectious disease as the leading health-care threat in middle-income and low-income countries. Latin American and Caribbean countries are struggling to respond to increasing morbidity and death from advanced disease. Health ministries and health-care systems in these countries face many challenges caring for patients with advanced cancer: inadequate funding; inequitable distribution of resources and services; inadequate numbers, training, and distribution of health-care personnel and equipment; lack of adequate care for many populations based on socioeconomic, geographic, ethnic, and other factors; and current systems geared toward the needs of wealthy, urban minorities at a cost to the entire population. This burgeoning cancer problem threatens to cause widespread suffering and economic peril to the countries of Latin America. Prompt and deliberate actions must be taken to avoid this scenario. Increasing efforts towards prevention of cancer and avoidance of advanced, stage IV disease will reduce suffering and mortality and will make overall cancer care more affordable. We hope the findings of our Commission and our recommendations will inspire Latin American stakeholders to redouble their efforts to address this increasing cancer burden and to prevent it from worsening and threatening their societies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul E Goss
- Avon International Breast Cancer Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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