Systematic review of the predictors of health service use in pancreatic cancer

Introduction: Pancreatic cancer (PC) has a dismal prognosis, with identified disparities in survival outcomes based on demographic characteristics. These disparities may be ameliorated by equitable access to treatments and health services. This systematic review identifies patient and service-level characteristics associated with PC health service utilisation (HSU). Methods: Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Scopus were systematically searched between 1st January, 2010 and 17 May, 2021 for population-based, PC studies which conducted univariable and/or multivariable regression analyses to identify patient and/or service-level characteristics associated with use of a treatment or health service. Direction of effect sizes were reported in an aggregate manner. Results: Sixty two eligible studies were identified. Most (48/62) explored the predictors of surgery (n=25) and chemotherapy (n=23), and in populations predominantly based in the United States of America (n=50). Decreased HSU was observed among people belonging to older age groups, non-Caucasian ethnicities, lower socioeconomic status (SES) and lower education status. Non-metropolitan location of residence predicted decreased use of certain treatments, and was associated with reduced hospitalisations. People with comorbidities were less likely to use treatments and services, including specialist consultations and palliative care but were more likely to be hospitalised. A more recent year of diagnosis/year of death was generally associated with increased HSU. Academically affiliated and high volume centres predicted increased treatment use and hospital readmissions. Conclusion: Findings of this review may assist identification of vulnerable patient groups experiencing disparities in accessing and using treatments and therapies.

Automated summary

This systematic review examines the relationship between pancreatic cancer patients and health service utilization, identifying factors such as age, race, socioeconomic status, education level, location, and comorbidities that are associated with healthcare utilization. The study also found factors associated with treatment use and hospital readmissions.