Lists
Lists
Eraso, Yolanda (2019) Factors influencing oncologists’ prescribing hormonal therapy in women with breast cancer: a qualitative study in Córdoba, Argentina. International Journal for Equity in Health, 18 (35). ISSN 1475-9276
|
Text
10.1186_s12939-019-0936-z.pdf - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication. Download (666kB) | Preview |
Abstract / Description
Background:
Hormonal therapy is an integral component for breast cancer treatment in women with oestrogen receptor positive tumours in early-stage and advanced cases of the disease. Little is known about what factors influence oncologists’ prescribing practices, especially non-biological factors, although this information may have important implications for understanding inequalities in health care quality and outcomes. This paper presents findings from research on factors influencing oncologists’ prescribing hormonal therapy for women with early and advanced cases of breast cancer in the city of Córdoba, Argentina.
Methods:
A qualitative study using in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 16 oncologists was conducted. A stratified purposive sampling was used to recruit female and male participants and working at 3 health subsystems (private, social security, public). Data was analysed using the Framework approach.
Results:
According to the respondents, factors influencing prescribing practices of hormonal therapy are varied. Women’s socio-economic status (poverty and wealth) and their level of health literacy can affect oncologists’ prescribing practices. Overall, in comparison to male, female oncologists reported more awareness of patients’ needs, more involvement in communicating drug side-effects, and in offering treatment options in private health settings. The 3 health subsystems provided a differential access to drugs and lines of hormonal treatment, which ranged from a limited availability in the public sector, to administrative restrictions imposed by the social security system, and to a lesser extent, the private sector. This happened in the backdrop of national legislation covering oncological treatments and drugs free of charge.
Conclusions:
Addressing prescribing practices for hormonal therapy as a distinct type of breast cancer treatment (chronic care) is fundamental in the understanding of breast cancer care and can shed light on inequalities in treatments. Identifying the underlying care gaps in the prescription of hormonal therapy can help in the design of tailored interventions.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Breast cancer, Hormonal therapy, Oncologists’ prescribing, Health system provider, Gender, Inequalities |
| Subjects: | 300 Social sciences > 360 Social problems & services; associations 600 Technology > 610 Medicine & health |
| Department: | School of Social Professions (to June 2021) School of Social Sciences and Professions |
| Depositing User: | Yolanda Eraso |
| Date Deposited: | 19 Feb 2019 12:35 |
| Last Modified: | 07 Apr 2020 14:07 |
| URI: | https://repository.londonmet.ac.uk/id/eprint/4627 |
Downloads
Downloads per month over past year
Downloads each year
Actions (login required)
 |
View Item |