Hulbert-Williams, NJ, Plumpton, CO, Flowers, P et al. (4 more authors) (2017) The cancer care experiences of gay, lesbian and bisexual patients: A secondary analysis of data from the UK Cancer Patient Experience Survey. European Journal of Cancer Care, 26 (4). e12670. ISSN 0961-5423
Abstract
Understanding the effects of population diversity on cancer-related experiences is a priority in oncology care. Previous research demonstrates inequalities arising from variation in age, gender and ethnicity. Inequalities and sexual orientation remain underexplored. Here, we report, for the first time in the UK, a quantitative secondary analysis of the 2013 UK National Cancer Patient Experience Survey which contains 70 questions on specific aspects of care, and six on overall care experiences. 68,737 individuals responded, of whom 0.8% identified as lesbian, gay or bisexual. Controlling for age, gender and concurrent mental health comorbidity, logistic regression models applying post-estimate probability Wald tests explored response differences between heterosexual, bisexual and lesbian/gay respondents. Significant differences were found for 16 questions relating to: (1) a lack of patient-centred care and involvement in decision-making, (2) a need for health professional training and revision of information resources to negate the effects of heteronormativity and (3) evidence of substantial social isolation through cancer. These findings suggest a pattern of inequality, with less positive cancer experiences reported by lesbian, gay and (especially) bisexual respondents. Poor patient–professional communication and heteronormativity in the healthcare setting potentially explain many of the differences found. Social isolation is problematic for this group and warrants further exploration.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | (c) 2017, John Wiley & Sons Ltd. This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: "Hulbert-Williams, NJ, Plumpton, CO, Flowers, P et al (2017) The cancer care experiences of gay, lesbian and bisexual patients: A secondary analysis of data from the UK Cancer Patient Experience Survey. European Journal of Cancer Care. e12670," which has been published in final form at [https://doi.org/10.1111/ecc.12670]. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving. |
Keywords: | cancer; equality; health surveys; oncology; patient experience; sexual orientation |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Leeds |
Academic Units: | The University of Leeds > Faculty of Medicine and Health (Leeds) > School of Medicine (Leeds) > Leeds Institute of Health Sciences (Leeds) > Academic Unit of Primary Care (Leeds) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Publications |
Date Deposited: | 27 Mar 2017 15:21 |
Last Modified: | 27 Feb 2018 01:38 |
Published Version: | https://doi.org/10.1111/ecc.12670 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Wiley |
Identification Number: | 10.1111/ecc.12670 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:114203 |