How clients choices influence cancer care in northern Aboriginal communities.
OBJECTIVE
To illustrate how personal choice, or client self-reliance, is a determining factor in the management of cancer patients' care in northern Aboriginal communities.


METHODS
Multiple-site study done in the northwestern part of the Canadian Province of Ontario.


METHODS
In-depth interviews with professionals and paraprofessionals involved in community-based delivery of cancer care.


RESULTS
Study details how perceived care options, gender, awareness of disease and treatment, reaction to system-linked problems in care delivery, as well as cultural preferences influence clients' choices and care outcomes.


CONCLUSIONS
The study underlines the interdependence between personal choice and the health care system; "bad" experiences with the system cause clients to disengage from care, while client disengagement results in reduced care options.
Minore
Bruce
B
Centre for Rural and Northern Health Research, Ont., Canada. bruce.minore@lakeheadu.ca
Boone
Margaret
M
Katt
Mae
M
Kinch
Peggy
P
Cromarty
Helen
H
D002755:Choice Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D009864:Ontario; D010358:Patient Participation; D044382:Population Groups / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*