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Updated: Mar 21, 2026
Author Spotlight: Advancing Early Detection and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors
Published on: February 16, 2024
Who bears the burden? Provider perspectives on barriers to gastrointestinal cancer care
Trisha Lal1, Anand Kathardekar2, Christine Horvat-Davey3
1Division of Surgical Oncology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA; Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.
Background:
Disparities in gastrointestinal (GI) cancer care are well-documented but underexplored from the provider's perspective. This study aimed to identify provider-perceived barriers and actionable targets to advance equity.
Methods:
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among purposively sampled multidisciplinary GI cancer providers. Items assessed practice-based challenges and provider-driven solutions. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively; qualitative data underwent thematic analysis.
Results:
Seventy-six out of 120 (63%) providers participated. Barriers were most prominent during initial treatment planning. Two major themes emerged: 1) challenges related to health literacy and insurance, and 2) the substantial time providers spend addressing these barriers, reported by 55% of physicians as 10-30% of their workday and by 38% of nurses as 30-50%.
Conclusions:
Providers invest significant time managing non-medical barriers in GI cancer care, particularly around insurance and health literacy. Findings will inform a multidisciplinary care team model aimed at reducing administrative burden and promoting equity.
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