Surveying oncologists' awareness and challenges in addressing social determinants of health: A national study.

Abstract

9030 Background: Ensuring that healthcare professionals are equipped to address disparities in healthcare access and outcomes is crucial for improving overall healthcare quality. Multiple studies have shown a clear causal link between social determinants of health (SDOH) and cancer. PeerView developed a research project to understand how well oncologists understand the impact of SDOH on the care and outcomes of patients with cancer and what they need to close gaps in knowledge and skills in order to deliver equitable care. Methods: PeerView developed and sent a series of seven surveys, each with 3-5 questions, to US medical oncologists and hematologist-oncologists from June 2023 to January 2024. Each set of surveys was sent to a different group of clinicians to ensure that responses were representative of the target group. Key Areas of Analysis: Overall awareness and understanding of SDOH; Perceived challenges in achieving health equity; Barriers to improving diversity in clinical trials; Clinician needs in addressing disparities; and Educational tactics and tool preferences for SDOH training. Results: 1,536 responses from US medical oncologists and hematologist-oncologists (37% working in an academic setting; 63% community-based) Representative findings: Approximately two-thirds (67%) needed to improve their understanding of SDOH and their effects on healthcare disparities; 60% were confident in their understanding of the effects of SDOH in cancer care in 4 key areas: care delivery and quality, screening, immunotherapy efficacy, and technology literacy; Most respondents felt confident or very confident caring for patients with cancer across ethnicities (81%), cultures (83%), socioeconomic statuses (78%), genders/gender identities (82%), and age (89%); 70% expressed confidence in their ability to identify patients at higher risk because of health disparities and SDOH; While the majority (61%) felt competent in connecting patients with resources and care to overcome SDOH-related barriers, community and academic providers differed significantly in their confidence; 70% selected the lack of resources in the healthcare system as the most or second greatest significant factor contributing to healthcare disparities; and 58%believed that partnering with pharmacists, community health workers, and community groups would help increase minority participation in oncology clinical trials. Conclusions: These results outlined deficiencies in knowledge and confidence of SDOH. By integrating these insights into development of continuing education (CE) activities and sharing them with the CE community, we can help clinicians overcome care-delivery barriers related to SDOH and develop inclusive care practices that empower patients to take charge of their health. Furthermore, insights from this research can shape policy decisions, curriculum development, and resource allocation on a larger scale.