Barriers and Facilitators to Delivering Cancer Care in US Prisons

What are the barriers and facilitators to cancer care in US prisons?In this qualitative study, 32 prison medical directors and clinicians reported barriers related to patients’ acceptance of care, population health determinants, care coordination, communication, symptom management, transportation, staffing, prioritization of security over health and humanity, and nontransparent care in prison. They also reported that incarceration facilitates access to health care and overcoming social determinants of health for this population. Findings were affirmed by a focus group.These findings suggest there are numerous barriers to cancer care in prison that may represent opportunities to improve care for this vulnerable population.

Corresponding Author: Christopher R. Manz, MD, MSHP, Division of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215 (christopher_manz@dfci.harvard.edu).

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