Patient navigation for breast cancer patients with disabilities.

Abstract

130 Background: Patient navigator programs (PNP) aid in evaluation and treatment of cancer in underserved populations. Along a patient’s journey obstacles to medical care can include cultural, financial, language, physical and transportation barriers, fear and anxiety, comprehension and retention of critical information and coordination of visits. PNP research has focused on addressing ethnic and racial barriers, with scant attention paid to the impact of PNP in the disabled. The Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act of 2008 defines as a “physical or mental impairment that substantially impairs one or more of major life activities." Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed of patients with stage I-III breast cancer under age 70 with disabilities enrolled in the PNP at Rhode Island Hospital or the Miriam Hospital (RIH/MH) from 2006-2012. Charts were reviewed and assessed for quality measures as defined by the National Comprehensive Cancer Center (NCCN) guidelines and American Society of Medical Oncology Quality Practice Initiative (QOPI) benchmarks, for demographics, stage at diagnosis, treatment recommended and received, and patient outcomes. Results: 44 patients were identified. All patients were recommended treatment in accordance with NCCN guidelines. Compliance with radiation and endocrine therapy guidelines was excellent. In the smaller cohort of patients for whom adjuvant chemotherapy was indicated, there was a higher rate of nonconcordance (25%) compared to 13% in the NCCN database. All nonconcordance was attributed to patient refusal (6) or delay due to comorbid conditions (3). Conclusions: Our analysis suggests PNP may enhance compliance with recommended treatment and thus quality care in breast cancer patients with disabilities. Integration of PNP in cancer care serves as a valuable adjunct in removing obstacles to cancer care for the disabled. [Table: see text]