Cardinal Health (NYSE:CAH) today announced biannual research revealing a large number of healthcare inequities in oncology.
The latest edition of Oncology Insights features perspectives from nearly 200 oncologists nationwide. It focuses on patient diversity, health equity in oncology, care management and symptom monitoring.
Dublin, Ohio-based Cardinal Health said its research found that 80% of oncologists say inequities exist throughout healthcare. Nearly half say those find a significant prevalence of these inequities in cancer care.
“This research shows that despite advances in cancer treatment, patients from some groups still encounter more frequent and severe barriers to quality cancer care, including lack of access to the standard of care recommended for the type and stage of cancer with which they have been diagnosed,” said Bruce Feinberg, VP and CMO for Cardinal Health Specialty Solutions.
Additionally, 80% of oncologists said health inequities lead to differences in care. That includes access to care and time to diagnosis and treatment.
Nearly 60% cited an unconscious bias among U.S. healthcare providers toward non-white and Latinx patients. Cardinal Health said almost half indicated that unconscious bias adversely affected care for such patients.
“The widespread acknowledgment of inequities in oncology care is an encouraging sign that efforts to generate provider awareness are working,” Feinberg said. “However, as a healthcare industry, we must keep working to improve access for patients through continued provider education and evidence-based initiatives that aim to deliver quality care to every patient, regardless of their background.”
Three-fourths of the oncologists noted that they’d benefit from more research and education on healthcare inequities. Most also reported a lack of familiarity with chronic care management and principal car management services for Medicare beneficiaries.
