"It is not the fault of the health care team - it is the way the system works": a mixed-methods quality improvement study of patients with advanced cancer and family members reveals challenges navigating a fragmented healthcare system and the administrative and financial burdens of care. December 4, 2024

https://psnet.ahrq.gov/issue/it-not-fault-health-care-team-it-way-system-works-mixed-methods-quality-improvement-study "It is not the fault of the health care team - it is the way the system works": a mixed-methods quality improvement study of patients with advanced cancer and family members reveals challenges navigating a fragmented healthcare system and the administrative and financial burdens of care. Dillon EC, Martinez MC, Li M, et al. BMC Health Serv Res. 2024;24(1):1378. Patients with complex care needs often face financial or logistical barriers when receiving care. In this study, patients with advanced cancer and their caregivers reported lower quality of care, lower quality of life, and worse trust in the healthcare system. Participants were generally positive about healthcare interactions but detailed insurmountable barriers, such as cost and navigating "invisible" rules with insurers and health systems.