Table 4 A patient’s journey, in the context of late diagnosis/referral
From: Managing Matajoosh: determinants of first Nations’ cancer care decisions
Care trajectory | Basis of treatment decision | Challenges | Maintaining connection with home and family |
|---|---|---|---|
Refused care | • Wanting to die at home | • Formal and informal home care • Pain control • Forced hospitalization at end stage | • Less of an issue until end stage |
Traveling for care | • Connection to family • Maintaining employment | • Access to medical transportation and financial support for appointments • Living in hotels while on chemo | • Less of an issue until end stage if terminal |
Relocating | • Safety • Better access | • Access to medical transportation and financial support for appointments • Access to adequate accommodations | • Isolation from family • Barriers to coming home |