Access to health care and quality of life for underserved men with prostate cancer

Abstract

Objectives: To explore links between access to care and quality of life for underserved men with prostate cancer through a literature review.

Data sources: Articles published from 2000 to present based on a PubMed search using the key words access, quality of life, health care access, underserved, low-income, health literacy, and prostate cancer.

Conclusion: There is not one reason that adequately explains factors affecting access, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), or the potential relationships between the two for underserved men with prostate cancer. Socioeconomic factors contribute to accessibility and HRQOL, but not consistently, suggesting that there is still much work to be done in identifying factors and relationships that connect access to care and HRQOL for underserved men with prostate cancer.

Implications for nursing practice: Particularly important is to develop intervention strategies to address the disparities in access to care and prostate cancer treatment outcomes (including HRQOL) for this vulnerable population. Based on findings from studies, nurses need to be actively involved in the development and implementation of programs that address multiple barriers including socioeconomic status, minority status, health literacy, insurance, and language.