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Barriers Impacting Access to Palliative Care

According to Lindsey Ulin, a palliative care fellow at Massachusetts General Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, who was not involved in the study, palliative care is focused on providing supportive care to people living with cancer and other serious illnesses. Palliative care physicians help manage symptoms and side effects like pain, fatigue and nausea.

According to a 2019 analysis in Quality of Life Research, patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer and family members or friends who care for them often face physical, emotional and financial challenges that may impact their mental health and overall quality of life. And a 2024 article in American Society of Clinical Oncology Educational Book argued that early integration of palliative care alongside cancer treatment can improve patients’ quality of life.

However, both Greer and Ulin say many barriers limit access to this care for advanced-stage patients and their caregivers. Common roadblocks include hospitals and clinics not offering palliative care, the misconception that palliative care is only for people at the end of life, transportation issues and the cost of care.

“The hope is that telehealth palliative care reduces these burdens for the patient and the caregiver,” Greer says.

Telehealth Palliative Care Study Shows Promising Results

Greer’s study involved 1,250 patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer and their caregivers. His research team randomly assigned participants to telehealth or in-person early palliative care across 22 cancer centers in the United States.

Participants attended palliative care appointments every four weeks throughout their cancer treatment. At the week 24 assessments, quality-of-life scores were similar for telehealth (99.67) and in-person palliative care (97.67) based on the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Lung (FACT-L).

Researchers found there wasn’t a significant difference in patient-reported symptoms, such as anxiety and depression, between the groups. “These are fairly standard measures when looking at the effects of palliative care,” Greer says. “We look at these because we’ve found that palliative care clinicians can help patients improve their quality of life, as well as their symptoms of anxiety.”

One difference that study data revealed was less caregiver involvement (36.6%) in virtual palliative care than in-person care (49.7%). “We had hypothesized that, given how convenient telehealth is, it would be easier for caregivers to participate,” Greer says. “We realized that telehealth gives patients more autonomy to decide when to have a caregiver present. But with in-person care, the patient often needs a loved one to help them get to the clinic.”

“In palliative care, we think about the person living with cancer and their caregiver together as a unit,” Ulin says. “Palliative care is an extra layer of support, helping caregivers cope, communicate with other providers, understand a cancer diagnosis and treatment options, and provide resources.”

In today’s rapidly evolving world, having the right information at the right moment can determine success or failure, health or illness. As professionals, we recognize the critical impact of timely information, especially in health and wellness. It’s imperative to leverage this knowledge and take decisive action, particularly to support underserved communities.

Access to Healthcare: An Ongoing Challenge

Despite technological advancements, timely access to healthcare information remains a significant challenge in America. Disparities in healthcare access lead to varying health outcomes across different populations. Underserved communities often face systemic barriers that hinder their ability to receive prompt and adequate healthcare.

The consequences are evident: delays in health screenings, diagnostics, and treatments exacerbate conditions that could be manageable or preventable. This results in higher rates of chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension among marginalized groups. The American Heart Association reports that African Americans are nearly twice as likely to have diabetes compared to non-Hispanic whites. These delays perpetuate cycles of poor health and reduced quality of life.

Exercise is Medicine: A Call to Action

The CDC’s extensive research underscores the benefits of regular physical activity. Our task is to ensure that underserved communities can access and utilize this powerful tool. The focus is on making fitness accessible to everyone, regardless of their circumstances.

Healthcare providers, fitness professionals, and community leaders must disseminate accurate and actionable information about exercise, empowering individuals to make healthier choices. It’s about promoting physical activity and breaking down barriers to make fitness accessible to all.

A Successful Example: HEALTHEFIT DWF in Covington, GA

HEALTHEFIT DWF in Covington, GA, exemplifies how integrating Exercise is Medicine (EIM) and Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) can revolutionize healthcare delivery in underserved communities. As a trusted advisor from its inception, I have seen firsthand how their innovative Medical Fitness Therapy program significantly enhances patient care.

Patients at HEALTHEFIT DWF benefit from real-time updates and personalized recommendations delivered via advanced digital platforms. This seamless integration of technology into healthcare management allows for easier chronic condition management and better adherence to treatment plans.

The success of HEALTHEFIT DWF is built on several key elements, including:

Integration of Cutting-Edge Technologies – HEALTHEFIT DWF uses advanced digital health solutions for continuous patient monitoring. These platforms collect and analyze data on vital signs, physical activity, and other health indicators, enabling prompt responses to emerging health issues.
Personalized Health Plans – Patients receive tailored health plans with specific exercise regimens, dietary recommendations, and lifestyle modifications, continuously updated based on real-time data and progress to meet their unique health needs and goals.
Enhanced Patient Engagement – Digital platforms have improved patient engagement by providing access to health data and facilitating easy communication with healthcare providers. This transparency fosters ownership and active participation in treatment plans.
Community Outreach and Education – HEALTHEFIT DWF emphasizes community outreach and education through regular workshops and seminars on exercise and healthy living, empowering individuals to take proactive steps towards better health.
Collaboration with Healthcare Professionals – The success of HEALTHEFIT DWF stems from collaboration between fitness professionals and healthcare providers, ensuring comprehensive care that addresses both medical and fitness needs, enhancing overall treatment effectiveness.
Measurable Health Outcomes – HEALTHEFIT DWF’s approach has led to measurable improvements in managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Timely health information and personalized care plans have resulted in better health outcomes and quality of life.

Conclusion: Information and Exercise as Catalysts for Change

The challenges in healthcare access underscore the transformative power of timely information and the promotion of exercise as medicine. Whether delivering health advice or emphasizing the benefits of physical activity, receiving the right information at the right time is crucial for individual and collective well-being.

The example of HEALTHEFIT DWF in Covington, GA, illustrates how integrating EIM and RTM can revolutionize healthcare delivery, particularly in underserved communities. Their proactive approach, leveraging cutting-edge technology and personalized care, has led to significant health improvements for their patients. This model provides valuable insights and a blueprint for future healthcare initiatives aiming to bridge the gap in healthcare access and outcomes.

As we reflect on our progress and future goals, let us commit to ensuring that everyone has access to the information they need for a healthy and fulfilling life. By prioritizing timely and equitable access to healthcare information—especially regarding exercise as medicine and RTM—we can advance toward a healthier and more just society.

This is our call to duty. Let’s remain vigilant in our pursuit of timely information and accessible exercise opportunities, understanding that these are not just conveniences but fundamental rights that can unlock freedom, health, and opportunity for all.

References:

American Heart Association. “African Americans & Cardiovascular Diseases.” Retrieved from heart.org.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Physical Activity and Health.” Retrieved from cdc.gov.

David Rachal III, MBA, EIM-C, MFP-C, is a Medical Fitness Practitioner with decades of experience in chronic disease management and preventive solutions. David is dedicated to integrating digital health solutions into traditional healthcare practices to enhance patient outcomes and promote a healthier lifestyle. He has been instrumental in the start-up phases of DWF Wellness in Covington, GA, and continues to serve as a trusted advisor.

Transforming Healthcare: The Power of Timely Information and Exercise in Underserved Communities