Correctional health and oncologist perspectives on strategies to improve cancer care in US prisons-A qualitative study

Correctional health and oncologist perspectives on strategies to improve cancer care in US prisons-A qualitative study
JAMA Network Open; by Christopher R. Manz, Brett Nava-Coulter, Emma Voligny, Daniel A. Gundersen, Alexi A. Wright; 10/25
Individuals diagnosed with cancer while incarcerated in US prisons have worse mortality than nonincarcerated individuals. In this qualitative study of clinicians delivering cancer care for incarcerated individuals, participants identified pragmatic strategies to improve cancer screening and treatment that address most identified barriers to care in US prisons. Application of these strategies may be associated with mitigation of disparities in cancer survival for incarcerated individuals. Participants identified strategies to improve care addressing nearly all previously identified barrier themes, including strategies for (1) conducting screening in prisons; (2) bringing cancer treatment into prisons and centralizing care; (3) using telehealth, navigators, and early oncologist involvement to improve care coordination; (4) improving communication and social support; (5) improving symptom management, access to palliative medicine, and end-of-life care; and (6) delivering patient-centered care. Strategies require implementation by prisons, prison clinicians, oncologists, oncology practices, and policymakers.