Friday, May 1, 2015

Improving Health Literacy Among Cancer Caregivers

ASCO recently published their paper on  State of Cancer Care in America 2014. In this paper, authors outline concerns and possible courses of action. The report addresses cancer costs, increasing treatment options, growing number of cancer survivors, disparities of care and the challenges of meeting these needs and concerns.

ASCO predicts that by 2030, new cancer cases in the US will rise by 45%. By 2022, there will be almost 18 million cancer survivors, about a 35% increase from today. But ASCO is also predicting a national shortage of oncology specialists by 2025. New treatment options will increase the number of cancer survivors, which is a good thing, but the shortage of specialists will result in a strain on the existing providers and a possible decrease in quality or continuum of care for some patients. Disparities of care for certain ethnic groups coupled with rising costs of medications and treatment could further result in problems with quality or access to care. Besides shortage of oncologists and disparities of care, uneven geographic distribution of physicians leave those in rural areas wanting. ASCO cites an analysis of demographics showing that nearly 90% of oncologists practice in urban areas and that more than 70% of US counties analyzed had no medical oncologist at all.

As a direct result of the above challenges, cancer patients (and their families and caregivers) will have to take a more active role in managing their health.

What tool is your organization using to educate caregivers?

How are you measuring success with specific outcomes?

Are you looking for new and improved ways to educate caregivers?

If so, mHealth Games can help!

Click the image below to launch:

Care-G Command Center
Mission Critical Care: If someone you love has been diagnosed with cancer, you've just become a very important part of their care team. Are you ready for basic training?