Presentation ID #06: Click here to view presentation.
Abstract: Cancer is one of the most common causes of mortality in homeless adults. When a homeless person is hospitalized, they typically return to the streets, making recovery difficult. Conducting a needs assessment survey of homeless patients who are newly diagnosed with cancer was the first step towards evaluating how they can receive safe and cost-effective healthcare. Collection of information was from three perspectives: the patient, the oncology provider, and costs. Nine qualitative interviews with homeless individuals focused on concerns and barriers to care. Ten qualitative interviews with Medical Oncologists as well as a 20 question Survey Monkey was sent to all providers and focused on current treatment of their homeless patients. Lastly, a retrospective cost analysis examined costs of inpatient and outpatient care during chemotherapy. Two themes emerged from the patient interviews: Barriers to care and Someone to help. During oncology interviews, three themes were identified: I worry about everything, Making decisions, and Care after chemotherapy. Half of the 19 providers who responded to the survey monkey questions indicated that they would revise treatment plans because of homelessness. All providers stated they would utilize a Housing First option if available for their homeless patients. The retrospective cost analysis of 53 homeless patients with cancer over a 5-year period showed cost savings from inpatient vs outpatient treatment totaled $9.0 million dollars. Drawing up a proposal to share with stakeholders is needed to develop a plan to help this population which may include a Housing First/respite home as a solution.
Amy Edinger is a Nurse Practitioner with over 21 years of clinical experience. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from The University of North Carolina-Charlotte in 2000 and earned her Master of Science degree in Nursing with a focus in Adult Nurse Practitioner/Clinical Nurse Specialist from The University of North Carolina-Charlotte in 2007. She is a candidate for the Doctor of Nursing Practice where she focused her scholarly project on a needs assessment survey with the homeless population newly diagnosed with cancer from The University of North Carolina-Charlotte. She has an anticipated graduation date set for May 15, 2021.
Amy has spent the first several years of her nursing practice working as a registered nurse on medical surgical units. As a Nurse Practitioner she has gained clinical experience in Renal, GI, and Pulmonary. Amy has spent the last 7 years working as an inpatient Oncology NP for the Levine Cancer Institute at Atrium Health-Main. She has also worked intermittently as a part time undergraduate and graduate nursing instructor for the College of Health & Human Services at UNC-Charlotte since 2006 where she started out as a Graduate Assistant.
Amy has been inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society, and Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society. She is also being inducted into the National Society of Leadership & Success in May 2021.