title: Disparities in cancer care: perspectives from the front line.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate how frontline healthcare professionals witness and understand disparity in cancer care.
  
  
  METHODS
  Six healthcare providers from a range of care settings, none with < 15 years of frontline experience, engaged with researchers in an iterative process of identifying and reflecting on equity and disparity in cancer care. This knowledge exchange began with formal interviews. Thematic analysis of the interviews form the basis of this article.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants drew attention to health systems issues, the meaning and experience of discontinuities in care for patients at personal and community levels, and the significance of social supports. Other concerns raised by participants were typical of the literature on healthcare disparities.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Providers at the front lines of care offer a rich source of insight into the operation of disparities, pointing to mechanisms rarely identified in traditional quantitative studies. They are also well positioned to advocate for more equitable care at the local level.
authors: School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University,Hamilton, Ontario,Canada.
authors: Patricia A
authors: PA
authors: Miller
authors: School of Social Work, McMaster University, Hamilton,Ontario,Canada.
authors: Christina
authors: C
authors: Sinding
authors: University Health Network,Toronto, Ontario,Canada.
authors: Patti
authors: P
authors: McGillicuddy
authors: Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto,Toronto, Ontario,Canada.
authors: Judy
authors: J
authors: Gould
authors: School of Social Work, McMaster University, Hamilton,Ontario,Canada.
authors: Donna
authors: D
authors: Fitzpatrick-Lewis
authors: Juravinski Cancer Centre, Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton,Ontario,Canada.
authors: Linda
authors: L
authors: Learn
authors: Juravinski Cancer Centre, Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton,Ontario,Canada.
authors: Jennifer
authors: J
authors: Wiernikowski
authors: Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto,Ontario,Canada.
authors: Margaret I
authors: MI
authors: Fitch
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002170:Canada; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D005190:Family; D054625:Healthcare Disparities; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D036301:Qualitative Research