Care coordination is important for those who are being or have been treated for cancer and their loved ones . Aiming for high quality care that includes appropriate screening , timely follow-up , supportive care , and survivorship care requires well-coordinated approaches to care delivery . This can be especially challenging for those living on the neighbor islands , as many of these patients must travel by air to O ‘ ahu for treatment .
Izumi Okado , PhD , UH Cancer Center postdoctoral researcher , received a grant from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to conduct care coordination research on the island of Hawai ‘ i . The funding provides Okado the opportunity to gain a better understanding of healthcare delivery for cancer patients in rural areas . This study builds on Okado ’ s previous research of care coordination perceptions of patients and family caregivers on O ‘ ahu . She will be able to compare these findings with cancer patients on Hawai ‘ i Island . The results from this study may inform potential strategies to improve care coordination , and help to reduce delays in diagnoses and treatments for cancer patients in rural areas .
IZUMI OKADO , PHD
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented Okado with recruitment challenges and new opportunities . Travel restrictions and social distancing guidelines have made it difficult to identify and recruit participants . Okado continues to seek study participants , and is currently collaborating with UH Hilo nursing students , East Hawai ‘ i Health Cancer Center , and Straub Outpatient Treatment Center for their assistance with recruitment .
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