Layers of difference: a cancer center’s approach to minimizing cancer health disparity
International Journal of Human Rights in Healthcare
ISSN: 2056-4902
Article publication date: 11 December 2017
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide a case study of a multifaceted institutional approach to minimizing cancer health disparities, presenting a novel organizational framework entitled, “A.C.C.E.S.S.” to guide those efforts.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper presents a case study of an organization that operates under the theory that cancer health disparities are a result of the cumulative incongruence of differences that exist between people in various contexts and interactions over time. Consequently, the A.C.C.E.S.S. framework is used to demonstrate the range of opportunities within an organization to intervene and mitigate gaps that result in inequality.
Findings
Addressing A.C.C.E.S.S. in various interactions and contexts over a sustained period of time results in a continuous improvement cycle that attenuates cancer health disparity.
Originality/value
The antecedents and impacts of cancer health disparities are well documented. However, there is a dearth of directionality for institutions and organizations in achieving equality in cancer treatment and care. This paper provides a framework to consider in organizing such endeavors.
Keywords
Citation
Chachula, D., Grant, C., Antolino, P., Davis, J., Hanson, D., Harris, L., Rivera-Colon, V. and Green, B.L. (2017), "Layers of difference: a cancer center’s approach to minimizing cancer health disparity", International Journal of Human Rights in Healthcare, Vol. 10 No. 5, pp. 289-295. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJHRH-04-2017-0014
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2017, Emerald Publishing Limited