Prevalence of Health-Related Social Needs and Associated Missed Imaging Appointments Among Patients With Cancer.

Abstract

Purpose: Health-related social needs (HRSNs) lead to health disparities and impact cancer care, but their link with missed imaging appointments in patients with cancer is unclear. We assessed screen rate and prevalance of HRSNs and their association with missed imaging appointments among patients with cancer.

Methods: Patients aged ≥18 years with cancer who completed an oncology wellness form as part of usual care between January 1, 2022, and September 30, 2023, who had an imaging examination scheduled at the same health system within 3 months after form completion were included. The form assessed HRSNs (financial, transportation, and housing) and patients' preference for written or verbal information about HRSNs services. Multivariable regression models evaluated the association between HRSNs and missed imaging appointments.

Results: In all, 3,495 (16.6%) of patients had a completed oncology wellness form during 3,964 (4.3%) encounters; of those, 2,890 had imaging scheduled in the next 3 months and were included (mean age: 61.6 ± 15.9 years; 50.2% female; 20.1% Asian, 2.8% Black, 57% White, 20.6% Hispanic). HRSNs were reported during 22.9% of encounters, with 82.9%, 40.2%, and 37.5% of reported HRSNs being due to financial hardship, transportation, and housing issues. Only 6.5% and 4.4% of encounters positive for HRSNs reported a desire for written information or to speak with someone about their HRSNs, respectively. At least one imaging encounter was missed by 70% in the subsequent 3 months. Adjusting for sociodemographic factors, patients reporting HRSNs were more likely to miss their imaging appointment (odds ratio, 1.29; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.61).

Conclusion: Patients with cancer with self-reported HRSNs tend to have higher missed imaging appointments.