Identifying Health Literacy and Health System Navigation Needs Among Rural Cancer Patients: Findings from the Rural Oncology Literacy Enhancement Study (ROLES)

摘要: Rural residence is associated with disparities in cancer-related outcomes. Guided by the Chronic Care Model (CCM), Oncology Literacy Enhancement Study (ROLES) assessed health literacy and patient navigation needs among rural cancer patients. A mixed methods (qualitative quantitative) approach was used, including: in-depth interviews, assessments, phone surveys patients (N = 53) from 5 oncology clinics Wisconsin; focus groups self-administered staff 41) these clinics. Within four dimensions of CCM (community resources, self-management support, delivery system design, decision support), this study uncovered multiple unmet needs, limitations, barriers to quality care. System-level implementation best practices could contribute improved care outcomes populations. Further research identifying effective interventions that reduce necessary.