Patricia A Miller1, Christina Sinding2, Patti McGillicuddy3, Judy Gould4, Donna Fitzpatrick-Lewis2, Linda Learn5, Jennifer Wiernikowski5, Margaret I Fitch6. 1. School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University,Hamilton, Ontario,Canada. 2. School of Social Work, McMaster University, Hamilton,Ontario,Canada. 3. University Health Network,Toronto, Ontario,Canada. 4. Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto,Toronto, Ontario,Canada. 5. Juravinski Cancer Centre, Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton,Ontario,Canada. 6. Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto,Ontario,Canada.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate how frontline healthcare professionals witness and understand disparity in cancer care. METHOD: Six healthcare providers from a range of care settings, none with < 15 years of frontline experience, engaged with researchers in an iterative process of identifying and reflecting on equity and disparity in cancer care. This knowledge exchange began with formal interviews. Thematic analysis of the interviews form the basis of this article. RESULTS: Participants drew attention to health systems issues, the meaning and experience of discontinuities in care for patients at personal and community levels, and the significance of social supports. Other concerns raised by participants were typical of the literature on healthcare disparities. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: Providers at the front lines of care offer a rich source of insight into the operation of disparities, pointing to mechanisms rarely identified in traditional quantitative studies. They are also well positioned to advocate for more equitable care at the local level.
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate how frontline healthcare professionals witness and understand disparity in cancer care. METHOD: Six healthcare providers from a range of care settings, none with < 15 years of frontline experience, engaged with researchers in an iterative process of identifying and reflecting on equity and disparity in cancer care. This knowledge exchange began with formal interviews. Thematic analysis of the interviews form the basis of this article. RESULTS:Participants drew attention to health systems issues, the meaning and experience of discontinuities in care for patients at personal and community levels, and the significance of social supports. Other concerns raised by participants were typical of the literature on healthcare disparities. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: Providers at the front lines of care offer a rich source of insight into the operation of disparities, pointing to mechanisms rarely identified in traditional quantitative studies. They are also well positioned to advocate for more equitable care at the local level.