Cancer and Poverty

Influence of Socio-Economic Factors on the Care Process in Cancer Patients

Project duration: 01/07/2015 - 30/06/2017

Principal investigators: Prof. Dr. Silke Dennhardt (ASH Berlin),
Prof. Dr. Jochen Breinlinger-O´Reilly (HWR Berlin)

Scientific advisor: Prof. Dr. Jutta Räbiger (ASH Berlin)

Project staff: Dipl.-Med. Susanne Woskanjan (ASH Berlin), Dr. Sabine Kies (HWR Berlin), M.A. Maren Knade (ASH Berlin)

Partners:

Abstract:
The link between socio-economic characteristics and health has long been discussed. On the one hand, a low socio-economic status makes it more difficult to access medical and social services, and on the other hand, long-term illness often results in socio-economic losses. However, reliable empirical data are not yet available. The project investigates whether oncology patients of different ages, sex and socio-economic backgrounds have different pathways of care that ultimately influence their chances of survival. A second priority will be to analyse how cancer impacts on the socio-economic situation of those affected. These relationships are to be examined for the first time using an evaluation of secondary data from statutory health insurance providers (GKV routine data). The project can thus be seen as a direct continuation of two previous projects, which were also realised with the support of the AOK Nordost and self-help groups, on the topic of cancer and care. The aim is to provide all cooperating partners with data and arguments for action strategies in order to counter social inequalities in care processes and outcomes. However, the aim is also to check whether reliable indicators on socio-economic status can be generated with the secondary data available from AOK Nordost, and how much effort would be required to shape the database in such a way that it could be used for routine monitoring.

Funding: Berlin Institute for Applied Research - Institut für angewandte Forschung Berlin (IFAF Berlin)