Care Coordination: Overcoming Barriers to Improve Outcomes for Patients With Hematologic Malignancies in Rural Settings

Background: Most patients with cancer experience financial, emotional, and logistical barriers to care that significantly affect their adherence to and successful completion of treatment. However, patients with hematologic malignancies, particularly those who live in rural settings, must also contend with additional challenges.

Objectives: This article aims to synthesize the literature about barriers to timely access to care and to coordination of this care for patients with hematologic malignancies, particularly those in rural settings, as well as identify strategies to improve cancer care delivery for those patients.

Methods: A search of the literature from 2008–2018 pertaining to rural health disparities for patients with hematologic malignancies, along with ways to overcome these disparities, was conducted.

Findings: Patients with hematologic malignancies, particularly those who reside in rural settings, face complex barriers to care. These barriers cause emotional and physical distress. A team approach to care coordination that is focused on eliminating these barriers and improving outcomes is needed.