A relational and geographic method for integrating cancer care pathways

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Medical Geography
• Health Informatics

Background:

• Healthcare pathway integration is a challenge for health authorities.
• Existing approaches often overlook geographical and relational dimensions.
• A spatial approach is needed for better territorial integration of care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and apply a spatial method for integrating care pathways.
• To combine geographical and relational dimensions for enhanced healthcare integration.
• To describe integrated health care pathways within their territories.

Main Methods:

• Mixed-methods research combining qualitative and quantitative data.
• Case study of a senology department at a French Cancer Diagnosis, Treatment and Research Center.
• Analysis of 1798 patients' mobility and geographical data, alongside interviews and documents.

Main Results:

• The geographical and relational dimensions are inseparable for care pathway integration.
• Four major categories of integrated care pathways were identified and cartographically described.
• The method provides insights into coordinated patient pathways at the area level.

Conclusions:

• A spatial approach, integrating geographical and relational aspects, is crucial for effective healthcare pathway integration.
• This method offers a framework for understanding and improving territorial healthcare coordination.
• Findings address French health authorities' challenges in implementing area-level coordinated patient pathways.