Analyzing Psychosocial Services Available to Cancer Patients Within the WWAMI Region

Abstract

Psychosocial services are of critical importance for cancer patients upon diagnosis, through treatment and after treatment ends. This study was conducted using a quantitative, interview-based survey and secondary quantitative data from Hospital Value-Based Purchasing Program (HVBP). Data were collected from 18 cancer centers within the Pacific Northwest region that were accredited by the Commission on Cancer (CoC). Barriers to psychosocial care for cancer patients were gathered from interviewees. This research presents a comprehensive look at psychosocial services within the WWAMI region (Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho) and compares availability of services between Washington and the other four states, and between high and low poverty hospitals. Services and available staffing for psychosocial services were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi square tests of associations to look at differences between states and level of poverty. This study showed that there is a significant relationship between poverty and the services of spiritual care (<.01) and patient navigation (<.05), where these services were less likely to be provided in high poverty hospitals. A lack of psychosocial services was identified across states in the WWAMI region and a need for equity and standardization of services is needed to serve all cancer patients.