Improving access to palliative care for people experiencing socioeconomic inequities: findings from a community-based pilot research study

Author:

Santos Salas Anna123,Bablitz Cara45,Morris Heather1,Vaughn Lisa1,Bardales Olga1,Easaw Jennifer1,Wildeman Tracy1,Duggleby Wendy6,Salami Bukola6,Watanabe Sharon M.78

Affiliation:

1. Palliative Care Research Program, Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

2. Department of Social & Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada

3. Centre de recherche en santé publique (CReSP), Université de Montréal & CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada

4. Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

5. Family Medicine, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

6. Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

7. Department of Symptom Control and Palliative Care, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

8. Division of Palliative Care Medicine, Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Abstract

Introduction

In Canada, people experiencing socioeconomic inequities have higher rates of late diagnosis and lower survival rates than the general population. Palliative care services focussed on this population are scarce. We developed a community-based nursing intervention to improve access to palliative care for people experiencing socioeconomic inequities and living with life-limiting illnesses in an urban Canadian setting.

Methods

This community-based, qualitative research study combined critical and participatory research methodologies. The study was conducted in partnership with the Palliative Care Outreach Advocacy Team (PCOAT) based in Edmonton, Alberta, a team dedicated to serving populations experiencing socioeconomic inequities who require palliative care. Following an exploratory phase that served to delineate the intervention, we undertook a one-year pilot implementation during which a part-time registered nurse (RN) joined PCOAT. The RN engaged in trust building, resolution of health and practical needs and complex care coordination. Twenty-five patients participated in the intervention. Participants were interviewed at least once to explore their experiences with the intervention. Data were analyzed through thematic analysis.

Results

Most participants were men, were Indigenous and had advanced cancer. Participants had significant financial concerns, lived or had lived in precarious housing situations and had previously faced serious challenges accessing health care. Participants reported social and health needs including housing, finances, transportation, symptom control, harm reduction and end-of-life care. Participants reported improved access to health and social services and expressed satisfaction with the study intervention.

Conclusion

Study findings suggest the study intervention may have contributed to improved access to palliative care, improved experiences for participants and increased equity in the delivery of care.

Publisher

Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention Branch (HPCDP) Public Health Agency of Canada

Subject

Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health,Health Policy,Epidemiology

Cited by 2 articles. 订阅此论文施引文献 订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献

同舟云学术

1.学者识别学者识别

2.学术分析学术分析

3.人才评估人才评估

"同舟云学术"是以全球学者为主线,采集、加工和组织学术论文而形成的新型学术文献查询和分析系统,可以对全球学者进行文献检索和人才价值评估。用户可以通过关注某些学科领域的顶尖人物而持续追踪该领域的学科进展和研究前沿。经过近期的数据扩容,当前同舟云学术共收录了国内外主流学术期刊6万余种,收集的期刊论文及会议论文总量共计约1.5亿篇,并以每天添加12000余篇中外论文的速度递增。我们也可以为用户提供个性化、定制化的学者数据。欢迎来电咨询!咨询电话:010-8811{复制后删除}0370

www.globalauthorid.com

TOP

Copyright © 2019-2024 北京同舟云网络信息技术有限公司
京公网安备11010802033243号  京ICP备18003416号-3