Perceptions of shared care among survivors of colorectal cancer from non-English-speaking and English-speaking backgrounds

PC4 Training Award winner, Lawrence Tan, investigated how non-English and English speaking patients perceive shared care following surgery for colorectal cancer (CRC). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 participants who spoke English, Spanish or Vietnamese. Participants from non-English-speaking and English speaking groups described similar barriers to care, but non-English-speaking participants described additional communication difficulties and perceived discrimination. They also relied on family members and bilingual GPs for assistance with communication and care coordination. Non-English speaking participants expressed greater difficulty communications with specialists, relying on bilingual GPs to coordinate care, provide health information, assist with navigating the health care system and provide emotional support. Findings from this study suggest that the cultural and linguistic background of CRC survivors can influence the care pathway, and optimal shared care models that suit the needs of patients from CALD backgrounds is vital. Read the full text