Full record(s)

Record no:

1 of 1

Author:

SCHAPMIRE Tara J.; HEAD Barbara A.;

Title:

Just give me hope: lived experiences of Medicaid patients with advanced cancer.

Reference:

Journal of Social Work in End-of-Life and Palliative Care, 8(1), January-March 2012, pp.29-52.

ISSN paper:

1552-4256

ISSN online:

1552-4264

Abstract:

Approximately one-third of all Americans under the age of 65 do not have health insurance. Medicaid provides a health care safety net for the poor. However, studies have shown that Medicaid enrolees are 2 to 5 times more likely to be diagnosed with late stage disease than non-Medicaid enrollees. The purpose of this phenomenological exploration was to describe the lived experiences of persons diagnosed with advanced cancer who receive Medicaid. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 patients diagnosed with advanced cancer who became eligible for Medicaid after their diagnosis. Before diagnosis, participants were uninsured or underinsured and had more severe symptoms. Upon diagnosis, they desired hopeful, respectful communication and experienced strong emotional reactions. During cancer treatment, they experienced social isolation from family and friends while receiving strong psychosocial support from the health care team. Throughout the cancer trajectory, they focused on living, reclaiming normalcy, and expressed resiliency and spirituality. The findings support: the need to recognise the ‘fighting spirit’ of patients regardless of prognosis or socioeconomic status; the impact of hopeful, respectful communication; and the value of oncology social work assistance when navigating the cancer experience. Lack of health care coverage prior to severe symptoms prevented earlier diagnosis and contributed to poor physical outcomes, but Medicaid eligibility enabled these patients to receive quality health care and focus on living beyond cancer.

Journal home:

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Format:

article;

Topics:

cancer; communication; health care; health insurance; medical social work; medical treatment; resilience;

Content Type:

research;

Country/Region:

United States;

Record ID:

www.scie-socialcareonline.org.uk/profile.asp?guid=7d61cc93-759b-4056-a092-70ea7d221b18