Disparities In Cancer Care And Costs At The End Of Life: Evidence From Englands National Health Service [International Experience]

This study examines disparities in end-of-life treatment costs for cancer patients in England. Analyzing data on over 250,000 colorectal, breast, prostate, and lung cancer patients from multiple national databases, we found evidence illustrating that disparities are driven largely by the greater use of emergency inpatient care among patients of lower socioeconomic status. Even within a system with free health care, differences in the use of care create disparities in cancer costs. While further studies of these barriers is required, our research suggests that disparities may be reduced through better management of needs through the use of less expensive and more effective health care settings and treatments.
Source: Health Affairs - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Authors: Tags: International Issues, Health Spending, Variations International Experience Source Type: research