Is social inequality related to different patient concerns in routine oral cancer follow-up clinics?

Allen, Sarah, Lowe, Derek and Rogers, Simon (2016) Is social inequality related to different patient concerns in routine oral cancer follow-up clinics? PSYCHO-ONCOLOGY, 25 (1). pp. 17-18.

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Abstract

Oral cancer has a higher incidence in the lower social strata, and these patients are less likely to engage in supportive interventions and report a poorer quality of life (QoL). The aim of this paper is to compare the Patient Concerns Inventory (PCI) responses across social groups attending routine oral cancer follow-up clinics with particular focus on the deprivation lower quartile. The PCI package is completed by patients as part of their routine review consultation with SNR. Patients were those diagnosed between 2008 and 2012. Deprivation was stratified using the IMD 2010 from postcode. Of the 106 eligible patients, 85 % used the PCI. Just over half (54 %) were living in the most deprived quartile, with two-thirds (68 %) of males in the most deprived quartile, compared with 35 % of females (p = 0.004). In regard to number and type of PCI items selected by patients at their first PCI clinic, there were no notable differences in respect of IMD classification. The two commonest concerns were fear of recurrence (43 %) and sore mouth (43 %). The most deprived quartile reported significant problems in regard to mood (p = 0.004) and recreation (p = 0.02), and a non-significant trend (36 vs 18 %, p = 0.09) in stating their overall QoL as being less than good. It is possible to identify the concerns of patients from lower socioeconomic strata as part of routine follow-up clinics. This allows for targeted multi-professional intervention and supports to improve the outcome in this hard to reach group.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Humans, Carcinoma, Squamous Cell, Mouth Neoplasms, Alcohol Drinking, Smoking, Health Behavior, Quality of Life, Socioeconomic Factors, Poverty Areas, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Middle Aged, Ambulatory Care Facilities, Female, Male, United Kingdom
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	08 Aug 2016 15:52
Last Modified:	26 Jan 2023 07:53
DOI:	10.1007/s00405-016-4208-x
Related URLs:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3002813