The Patients Association has published a report on working with underserved communities living with cancer and/or blood disorders. This project is funded through a grant from Bristol Myers Squibb.
The key findings included:
- Patients experience significant barriers to care including delays in diagnosis, unequal access to services, and systemic discrimination,
- Patients reported challenges navigating healthcare, a lack of communication, and economic burdens such as high transportation and medication costs,
- Social determinants of health like inadequate housing and living in deprived areas further worsened outcomes,
- Participants emphasised mistrust in healthcare, particularly among racially minoritised and LGBTQ+ communities, and highlighted the need for better coordination, cultural sensitivity training, and localised services.
The report includes a recommendations list, which include increasing investments in social determinants of health and implementing policies and interventions that address social determinants of health; and providing education and training to health and social care staff to better meet the needs of underserved communities, address discrimination and racism, and improve health equity.
The project involved a literature review on health disparities and social determinants affecting patients with cancer and/or blood disorders. Discussions were held with local and condition-specific charities, and we conducted focus groups and a case study interview with patients and carers. These efforts aimed to gather diverse perspectives and first-hand accounts of lived experiences.
Read the report