A research-based report series that analyzed the views of more than 160 US oncologists found that social determinants of health are believed to play a significant role in patient outcomes.
Findings of the report series were released in Cardinal Health Specialty Solutions’ seventh edition of Oncology Insights.
The most recent edition of Oncology Insights focuses on the implications of social determinants of health on cancer treatment as well as issues related to caring for the increasing cancer survivor population. Findings are based on web-based surveys conducted in February 2020 of more than 160 oncologists from community- and hospital-based practices.
Sixty-eight percent of respondents reported that at least half of their patients are negatively impacted by social determinants such as financial security, access to food, and social isolation, among others. The most cited barriers for patients according to respondents were financial security and lack of health insurance (83%), access to transportation (58%), and health literacy (53%).
Respondents agreed that responsibility for programs to address social determinants of health falls on all stakeholders in the health care system. While 76% of respondents believe that assistance programs are not readily accessible, 81% stated that their staff are constrained in the amount of time that they can allot to assisting patients with social needs.
“Our survey shows that oncologists believe a patient’s social determinants of health are critically important when it comes to outcomes,” said Bruce Feinberg, DO, vice president and chief medical officer, Cardinal Health Specialty Solutions, in a press release (May 28, 2020). “Yet, addressing social determinants is not a simple matter, and oncologists believe that everyone in the health care system must play a role in the solution.”
Additionally, respondents were asked to share their views on supporting the growing number of cancer survivors. Eighty-six percent of respondents said they are seeing a higher number of survivors in their practice than they did 5 years ago, and almost 75% of respondents admitted needing more training in supporting the needs of survivors – especially in regard to management of side effects and stress management.
While preferred strategies for managing the growing number of cancer survivors varied significantly among respondents, most anticipate hiring additional advanced practice providers to do so.—Zachary Bessette
