Oncologists Report SDoH Play Important Role in Patient Outcomes

More than 90% of oncologists said social determinants of health (SDoH) such as financial security, access to food and social isolation are significantly impacting outcomes for cancer patients, according to new research from Cardinal Health Specialty Solutions.

The findings-which are collected from more than 160 oncologists through web-based surveys from February to April this year-provide important insights at a time when the impact of social and economic factors on health are being examined more closely, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

These findings were recently released in the seventh edition of Oncology Insights, a research-based report series analyzing the views of more than 160 U.S. oncologists. The edition focuses on the implications of SDoH on cancer treatment and issues related to caring for a growing number of cancer survivors.

Related: Is Healthcare A Social Or Medical Issue? SDoH Make It Both

Two-thirds, or 68%, of the participating oncologists said at least half of their patients are negatively impacted by SDoH. Financial insecurity/lack of health insurance (83%) was by far the most cited barrier for patients according to participating oncologists, with access to transportation (58%) and health literacy (53%) also among the top responses.

In the report, respondents said responsibility for programs to address SDoH falls across all players in the healthcare system, and most (76%) perceive that assistance programs are not readily accessible, while 81% say that they and their staff are constrained in the amount of time they can spend assisting patients with social needs.

“Our survey shows that oncologists believe a patient’s social determinants of health are critically important when it comes to outcomes," said Bruce Feinberg, DO, vice president and CMO of Cardinal Health Specialty Solutions. "Yet addressing social determinants isn’t a simple matter, and oncologists believe that everyone in the healthcare system must play a role in the solution,” 

The report also looked at oncologists’ views on supporting the growing numbers of cancer survivors-a good news development that also presents challenges to care. Key findings include:

• Eighty-six percent of respondents agree they are seeing a greater number of cancer survivors in their practice than they did five years ago.

• Nearly three-quarters of participating oncologists said they need more training in supporting the needs of cancer survivors, particularly in management of side effects (56%) and stress management (45%). 

• Desired strategies for managing the growing number of cancer survivors varied greatly, but most participating oncologists anticipate hiring additional advanced practice providers to help do so.