In 2024, approximately 2.0 million people will have been diagnosed with cancer in the United States. The horrifying condition is familiar to most, either on a personal level or know a loved one that has been diagnosed. Cancer patients face a number of obstacles on their journey to recovery, but one challenge that is often ignored is transportation. From getting the diagnosis to receiving treatment, transportation is crucial but can be a significant hurdle.
In this blog post, we will discuss what transportation insecurity is, the consequences, and how NEMT provides an inclusive and stress-free experience for cancer patients.
What is Transportation Insecurity?
Health-care–related transportation insecurity is a condition in which one is unable to regularly move from place to place in a safe and timely manner because of the lack of material, economic, or social resources necessary for transportation to maintain health.
To put it into perspective, between 13 million and 14 million adults in the U.S. faced transportation insecurity issues in 2022. Access to transportation is often overlooked in healthcare, yet it plays a vital role in receiving timely medical care or attaining the bare necessities to live a healthy lifestyle.
The Multifaceted Nature of Transportation Insecurity for Cancer Patients
Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation often require multiple weekly appointments over an extended period of time. Missing or delaying these appointments can significantly alter treatment effectiveness and patient outcomes.
The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program stated that up to 90% of women receiving assistance self-report lack of transportation as a barrier to screening. Not only does transportation affect the treatment process, but it can also be a hurdle to receive a diagnosis.
Transportation challenges for cancer patients can stem from various factors:
- Financial constraints
- Lack of public transportation infrastructure
- No access to a personal vehicle
- Absence of caregivers to provide rides
- Physical inability to travel long distances
On top of these restraints, transportation insecurity disproportionately burdens racial and ethnic minorities, low-income, elderly, and rural populations.
Consequences of Transportation Insecurity
The impact of transportation insecurity goes beyond missed appointments and is quite substantial. It can lead to higher rates of cancer recurrence and mortality, greater disparities in cancer outcomes, and negatively affect caregivers, healthcare providers, and health systems.
However, considering all the consequences and challenges, a solution exists: Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT).
Benefits of NEMT for Cancer Patients
Cancer patients’ physical limitations, such as fatigue, nausea, and compromised immune systems, can make driving or using public transportation challenging. NEMT plays an essential role in overcoming these transportation insecurities in the following ways:
- Provides Reliable and Timely Transportation: This ensures patients arrive at appointments on time and maintain their critical treatment schedules.
- Specialized Vehicles: NEMT providers utilize vehicles equipped with features tailored to cancer patients’ needs, such as comfortable seating and wheelchair lifts.
- Trained and Compassionate Drivers: Understand the unique challenges cancer patients face and provide necessary support to assist members who may be weak or immunocompromised.
- Independence: Some cancer patients may not have anyone present in their life to rely on for rides during treatment or may be unable to coordinate schedules to attend their recurring appointments. Utilizing NEMT services enables cancer patients to have control over their life without feeling like a burden.
Empowering Cancer Patients Through Better Transportation
In conclusion, addressing transportation insecurity is crucial for improving cancer care outcomes and reducing disparities in access to treatment. NEMT services offer a vital solution to this challenge, providing reliable, specialized, and compassionate transportation for cancer patients throughout their journey.
At Momentm Technologies, we understand the critical role that transportation plays in healthcare, especially for those battling cancer. Our innovative NEMT software solutions are designed to streamline and enhance the transportation experience for patients, providers, and healthcare systems alike.
If you’re a NEMT provider looking to improve your services or a healthcare organization seeking to address transportation barriers for your patients, Momentm Technologies is here to help. Schedule a demo today!
