1
|
Batool S, Hansen EE, Sethi RKV, Rettig EM, Goguen LA, Annino DJ, Uppaluri R, Edwards HA, Faden DL, Schnipper JL, Dohan D, Reich AJ, Bergmark RW. Perspectives on Referral Pathways for Timely Head and Neck Cancer Care. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2024; 150:545-554. [PMID: 38753343 PMCID: PMC11099838 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoto.2024.0917] [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: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Importance Timely diagnosis and treatment are of paramount importance for patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) because delays are associated with reduced survival rates and increased recurrence risk. Prompt referral to HNC specialists is crucial for the timeliness of care, yet the factors that affect the referral and triage pathway remain relatively unexplored. Therefore, to identify barriers and facilitators of timely care, it is important to understand the complex journey that patients undertake from the onset of HNC symptoms to referral for diagnosis and treatment. Objective To investigate the referral and triage process for patients with HNC and identify barriers to and facilitators of care from the perspectives of patients and health care workers. Design, Participants, and Setting This was a qualitative study using semistructured interviews of patients with HNC and health care workers who care for them. Participants were recruited from June 2022 to July 2023 from HNC clinics at 2 tertiary care academic medical centers in Boston, Massachusetts. Data were analyzed from July 2022 to December 2023. Main Outcomes and Measures Themes identified from the perspectives of both patients and health care workers on factors that hinder or facilitate the HNC referral and triage process. Results In total, 72 participants were interviewed including 42 patients with HNC (median [range] age, 60.5 [19.0-81.0] years; 27 [64%] females) and 30 health care workers (median [range] age, 38.5 [20.0-68.0] years; 23 [77%] females). Using thematic analysis, 4 major themes were identified: the HNC referral and triage pathway is fragmented; primary and dental care are critical for timely referrals; efficient interclinician coordination expedites care; and consistent patient-practitioner engagement alleviates patient fear. Conclusions and Relevance These findings describe the complex HNC referral and triage pathway, emphasizing the critical role of initial symptom recognition, primary and dental care, patient information flow, and interclinician and patient-practitioner communication, all of which facilitate prompt HNC referrals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sana Batool
- Department of Surgery, Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Elisabeth E. Hansen
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston
| | - Rosh K. V. Sethi
- Department of Surgery, Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Head and Neck Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Eleni M. Rettig
- Department of Surgery, Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Head and Neck Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Laura A. Goguen
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Head and Neck Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Donald J. Annino
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Head and Neck Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ravindra Uppaluri
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Head and Neck Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Heather A. Edwards
- Department of Otolaryngology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Daniel L. Faden
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston
- Department of Otolaryngology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jeffrey L. Schnipper
- Hospital Medicine Unit and Division of General Internal Medicine and Primary Care, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Daniel Dohan
- Department of Surgery, Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Amanda J. Reich
- Department of Surgery, Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Regan W. Bergmark
- Department of Surgery, Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Head and Neck Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Stolwijk ML, van Nispen RMA, van der Pas SL, van Rens GHMB. Big data study using health insurance claims to predict multidisciplinary low vision service uptake. Optom Vis Sci 2024; 101:290-297. [PMID: 38856650 DOI: 10.1097/opx.0000000000002134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE There is a lack of research from high-income countries with various health care and funding systems regarding barriers and facilitators in low vision services (LVS) access. Furthermore, very few studies on LVS provision have used claims data. PURPOSE This study aimed to investigate which patient characteristics predict receiving multidisciplinary LVS (MLVS) in the Netherlands, a high-income country, based on health care claims data. METHODS Data from a Dutch national health insurance claims database (2015 to 2018) of patients with eye diseases causing potentially severe visual impairment were retrieved. Patients received MLVS (n = 8766) and/or ophthalmic treatment in 2018 (reference, n = 565,496). MLVS is provided by professionals from various clinical backgrounds, including nonprofit low vision optometry. Patient characteristics (sociodemographic, clinical, contextual, general health care utilization) were assessed as potential predictors using a multivariable logistic regression model, which was internally validated with bootstrapping. RESULTS Predictors for receiving MLVS included prescription of low vision aids (odds ratio [OR], 8.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 7.99 to 9.61), having multiple ophthalmic diagnoses (OR, 3.49; 95% CI, 3.30 to 3.70), receiving occupational therapy (OR, 2.32; 95% CI, 2.15 to 2.51), mental comorbidity (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.10 to 1.23), comorbid hearing disorder (OR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.86 to 2.11), and receiving treatment in both a general hospital and a specialized ophthalmic center (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.10 to 1.37), or by a general practitioner (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.18 to 1.29). Characteristics associated with lower odds included older age (OR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.28 to 0.32), having a low social economic status (OR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.86 to 0.97), physical comorbidity (OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.82 to 0.92), and greater distance to an MLVS (OR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.92 to 0.98). The area under the curve of the model was 0.75 (95% CI, 0.75 to 0.76; optimism = 0.0008). CONCLUSIONS Various sociodemographic, clinical, and contextual patient characteristics, as well as factors related to patients' general health care utilization, were found to influence MLVS receipt as barriers or facilitators. Eye care practitioners should have attention for socioeconomically disadvantaged older patients when considering MLVS referral.
Collapse
|
3
|
Marta A, Marques JP, Santos C, Coutinho-Santos L, Vaz-Pereira S, Costa J, Arede P, Félix R, Geada S, Gouveia N, Silva R, Baptista M, Lume M, Parreira R, Azevedo Soares C, Menéres MJ, Lemos C, Melo Beirão J. The socioeconomic epidemiology of inherited retinal diseases in Portugal. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2024; 19:151. [PMID: 38594754 PMCID: PMC11003026 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-024-03161-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are a group of rare degenerative disorders of the retina that can lead to blindness from birth to late middle age. Knowing the target population and its resources is essential to better plan support measures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the socioeconomic characteristics of regions in Portugal where IRD patients reside to inform the planning of vision aid and rehabilitation intervention measures. RESULTS This study included 1082 patients from 973 families, aged 3 to 92 years, with a mean age of 44.8 ± 18.1 years. Patients living with an IRD were identified in 190 of the 308 municipalities. According to this study, the estimated IRD prevalence in Portugal was 10.4 per 100,000 inhabitants, and by municipalities, it ranged from 0 to 131.2 per 100,000 inhabitants. Overall, regions with a higher prevalence of IRD have a lower population density (r=-0.371, p < 0.001), a higher illiteracy rate (r = 0.404, p < 0.001) and an overall older population (r = 0.475, p < 0.001). Additionally, there is a lower proportion of doctor per capita (r = 0.350, p < 0.001), higher social security pensions beneficiaries (r = 0.439, p < 0.001), worse water quality for human consumption (r=-0.194, p = 0.008), fewer audiences at the cinema (r=-0.315, p < 0.001) and lower proportion of foreign guests in tourist accommodations (r=-0.287, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION The number of identified patients with IRD varied between regions. Using data from national statistics (PORDATA), we observed differences in socioeconomic characteristics between regions. Multiple targeted aid strategies can be developed to ensure that all IRD patients are granted full clinical and socioeconomic support.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Marta
- Department of Ophthalmology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Santo António, EPE (CHUdSA), Porto, Portugal.
- Instituto Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Porto, Portugal.
| | - João Pedro Marques
- Centro de Responsabilidade Integrado de Oftalmologia do Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, EPE (CRIO-CHUC), Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University Clinic of Ophthalmology, University of Coimbra (FMUC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Cristina Santos
- Instituto de Oftalmologia Dr. Gama Pinto (IOGP), Lisboa, Portugal
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS, FCM, NOVA Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 7 iNOVA4Health, Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - Sara Vaz-Pereira
- Department of Ophthalmology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Norte (CHULN), Lisboa, Portugal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - José Costa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital de Braga (HB), Braga, Portugal
| | - Pedro Arede
- Department of Ophthalmology, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Ocidental, EPE (CHLO), Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Raquel Félix
- Centro de Responsabilidade Integrado de Oftalmologia do Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, EPE (CRIO-CHUC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sara Geada
- Centro de Responsabilidade Integrado de Oftalmologia do Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, EPE (CRIO-CHUC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Nuno Gouveia
- Centro de Responsabilidade Integrado de Oftalmologia do Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, EPE (CRIO-CHUC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rui Silva
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital de Braga (HB), Braga, Portugal
| | - Margarida Baptista
- Department of Ophthalmology, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Ocidental, EPE (CHLO), Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Miguel Lume
- Department of Ophthalmology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Santo António, EPE (CHUdSA), Porto, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Parreira
- Department of Ophthalmology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Santo António, EPE (CHUdSA), Porto, Portugal
| | - Célia Azevedo Soares
- Medical Genetics Department, Centro de Genética Médica Jacinto Magalhães, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Santo António, EPE (CHUdSA), Porto, Portugal
- Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Medical Science Department, Universidade de Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria João Menéres
- Department of Ophthalmology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Santo António, EPE (CHUdSA), Porto, Portugal
- Instituto Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Porto, Portugal
| | - Carolina Lemos
- Instituto Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Porto, Portugal
- Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Santo António, EPE (CHUdSA), Largo do Prof. Abel Salazar, 4099-001, Porto, Portugal
| | - João Melo Beirão
- Department of Ophthalmology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Santo António, EPE (CHUdSA), Porto, Portugal
- Instituto Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Akeju DO, Okusanya BO, Ukah UV, Orimaye SO, Dirisu O. Editorial: Policy issues and perspectives in referrals and access to quality health care services. FRONTIERS IN HEALTH SERVICES 2023; 3:1323442. [PMID: 38107742 PMCID: PMC10721970 DOI: 10.3389/frhs.2023.1323442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- D. O. Akeju
- Department of Sociology, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - B. O. Okusanya
- College of Medicine, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - U. V. Ukah
- Pregnancy and Child Research Centre, HealthPartners, Bloomington, MN, United States
| | - S. O. Orimaye
- College of Global Population Health, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - O. Dirisu
- Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Abuja, Nigeria
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wall NR, Fuller RN, Morcos A, De Leon M. Pancreatic Cancer Health Disparity: Pharmacologic Anthropology. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5070. [PMID: 37894437 PMCID: PMC10605341 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15205070] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PCa) remains a formidable global health challenge, with high mortality rates and limited treatment options. While advancements in pharmacology have led to improved outcomes for various cancers, PCa continues to exhibit significant health disparities, disproportionately affecting certain populations. This paper explores the intersection of pharmacology and anthropology in understanding the health disparities associated with PCa. By considering the socio-cultural, economic, and behavioral factors that influence the development, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of PCa, pharmacologic anthropology provides a comprehensive framework to address these disparities and improve patient care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan R. Wall
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Science, Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (R.N.F.); (A.M.)
| | - Ryan N. Fuller
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Science, Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (R.N.F.); (A.M.)
| | - Ann Morcos
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Science, Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (R.N.F.); (A.M.)
| | - Marino De Leon
- Division of Physiology, Department of Basic Science, Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ambrosino CM, Kaleem MA, Berkenstock MK. Referral to Vision Rehabilitation Services for Uveitis Patients: Referral Criteria and Barriers. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2023:1-5. [PMID: 37433132 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2023.2231543] [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: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Despite the benefits of vision rehabilitation services (VRS) for uveitis patients, limited literature has examined issues in VRS access within uveitis. We surveyed American Uveitis Society members regarding VRS referral practices, criteria, and barriers. METHODS Survey responses were collected from November 2022 to January 2023. Analysis summarized responses and compared response patterns of frequently-referring and infrequently-referring providers through Fisher's exact tests and logistic regression. RESULTS Most of the 33 respondents completed 1 to 5 monthly referrals using criteria of visual acuity loss, visual field loss, and difficulty performing vision-related activities. Key referral barriers included cost of services and insufficient patient-provider communication regarding vision loss. The practice of speaking to patients about vision loss during clinic visits was correlated with higher VRS referral rates (P = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS Greater patient-provider communication about vision loss may represent an opportunity to increase access to VRS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mona A Kaleem
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Meghan K Berkenstock
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|