Disparities Among Asian and Black Patients with Cancer in Receipt of Palliative Care
An article published in the Journal of Palliative Medicine racial and ethnic disparities in outpatient palliative care among patients with cancer at a large urban academic cancer center. The researchers found that Asian patients had higher odds of receiving palliative care compared to White patients, but were referred closer to death, suggesting delayed referrals. Black patients were more likely to be referred for pain management but did not have significantly different odds of palliative care receipt. These findings highlight the need for structural changes in referral processes and tailored interventions to address inequities in palliative care access and timing.