ENGAGING RURAL VETERANS’ PERCEPTIONS OF SURVIVORSHIP CARE FOR HEAD AND NECK CANCER

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate 1) rural patients’ perceptions of their own rurality and its effects on experience of head and neck cancer survivorship, and 2) potential barriers and facilitators to survivorship care within an integrated health care delivery system of the Veter...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Innovation in aging 2019-12, Vol.3 (Supplement_1), p.S1022-S1022
Main Authors: Seaman, Aaron T, Friberg, Julia, Adamowicz, Jenna L, Kendell, Nicholas, Pagedar, Nitin A, Howren, M Bryant, Christensen, Alan J
Format: Article
Language:English
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate 1) rural patients’ perceptions of their own rurality and its effects on experience of head and neck cancer survivorship, and 2) potential barriers and facilitators to survivorship care within an integrated health care delivery system of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Data from qualitative interviews with Veterans who have a history of head and neck cancer are presented to understand the complex ways that rurality impacts cancer survivorship. Head and neck cancer survivors must contend with specific challenges resulting from their risk factors and treatment, including access to complex medical follow up, long-term physical and psychological effects of treatment, and tobacco- and alcohol-related comorbidities. While integration within the VHA facilitates coordination of specialty and primary care and the transfer of medical information, the use of community care in rural areas presents coordination challenges, especially for survivors with comorbidities.
ISSN:2399-5300
2399-5300
DOI:10.1093/geroni/igz052