Work

Use of Acute Care Services Among Older Homeless Adults

Year: 2013

Type: article

Abstract: There were several limitations of the present study. First, the study cohort was highly educated, numerate, and well insured, with a higher than average income level, thus differing from a population-based cohort of patients with DCIS. Second, we administered hypothetical scenarios to individuals personally not diagnosed as having DCIS. While it is possible that patients with DCIS may react differently to the survey, the use of hypothetical scenarios allowed us to explore women’s preferences toward systemic therapy and active surveillance, unbiased by previous knowledge regarding DCIS and standard modes of treatment options. Finally, the projected outcomes in the scenarios were generalized and static, whereas true outcomes vary depending on patient age, tumor grade, and other case-specific factors. We conclude that the terminology used to describe DCIS has a significant and important impact on patients’ perceptions of treatment alternatives. Health care providers who use “cancer” to describe DCIS must be particularly assiduous in ensuring that patients understand the important distinctions between DCIS and invasive cancer.

Source: JAMA Internal Medicine

DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2013.6627

Authors: Rebecca T. Brown, Dan K. Kiely, Monica Bharel, Laura J. Grande, Susan L. Mitchell

Institutions: University of California, San Francisco, Hebrew SeniorLife, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, VA Boston Healthcare System

Language: English

Topic: Homelessness and Social Issues

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institute on Aging