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Improving Timely Access to Diagnostic and Treatment Services for Lung Cancer Patients in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: Priority-Setting through Nominal Group Techniques

Author

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  • Buhle Lubuzo

    (Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa)

  • Khumbulani W. Hlongwana

    (Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa)

  • Themba G. Ginindza

    (Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa)

Abstract

Background: Lung cancer is the most common cancer worldwide, and it disproportionately affects low-income countries (LICs), where over 58% of cases occur. It is an important public health concern, given its poor healthcare outcomes, yet it is under-researched compared to other cancers. Lung cancer is also very difficult for primary care physicians to diagnose. In many settings, health researchers and clinicians’ resort to engaging in collaborative efforts to determine the best way to implement evidence into routine clinical practice. Methods: This was a grounded theory study comprising seven experts providing oncological services. A Nominal Group Technique (NGT) was used to articulate ideas, identify key problems and reach consensus on the order of priorities for the identified problems. Results: The study findings revealed that access to healthcare facilities providing oncology services and diagnosis was the major barrier to lung cancer care. This was further exacerbated by the manner in which health systems are configured in South Africa. The priorities for the health providers were focused on the lack of specialized resources, whereby referral of patients suspected to have lung cancer was delayed and compounded by the limited availability of treatment. Conclusion: The inadequacy of supportive systems for access to healthcare services negates the government efforts to curb the rising lung cancer-related fatalities in South Africa.

Suggested Citation

  • Buhle Lubuzo & Khumbulani W. Hlongwana & Themba G. Ginindza, 2022. "Improving Timely Access to Diagnostic and Treatment Services for Lung Cancer Patients in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: Priority-Setting through Nominal Group Techniques," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(4), pages 1-12, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:4:p:1918-:d:745064
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kutzin, Joseph & Barnum, Howard, 1992. "How health insurance affects the delivery of health care in developing countries," Policy Research Working Paper Series 852, The World Bank.
    2. Neely, Abigail H. & Ponshunmugam, Arunsrinivasan, 2019. "A qualitative approach to examining health care access in rural South Africa," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 230(C), pages 214-221.
    3. Maureen Joffe & Oluwatosin Ayeni & Shane Anthony Norris & Valerie Ann McCormack & Paul Ruff & Ishani Das & Alfred I Neugut & Judith S Jacobson & Herbert Cubasch, 2018. "Barriers to early presentation of breast cancer among women in Soweto, South Africa," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 13(2), pages 1-16, February.
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    Cited by:

    1. Buhle Lubuzo & Khumbulani W. Hlongwana & Themba G. Ginindza, 2022. "Lung Cancer Patients’ Conceptualization of Care Coordination in Selected Public Health Facilities of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-15, October.

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