Cancer support services: Are they meeting the needs of rural radiotherapy patients?

Abstract

This paper examines the supportive care in place to meet the needs of patients receiving radiotherapy at a regional oncology service in Bunbury, Western Australia. Semi‐structured in‐depth interviews with 21 service providers and 17 adults diagnosed with cancer who underwent radiotherapy at the Service were recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically. Key themes relevant were co‐operation and collaboration of interdisciplinary team members; support from organisations to assist with accommodation, transport, emotional support and provision of practical assistance, as well as barriers to accessing support. Most participants were positive about the support available, recognising the needs of rural radiotherapy patients for assistance with travel, accommodation and psychosocial support to help deal with the stressors they face. Collaboration between the various service providers maximised the support available to patients but the drop off in psychosocial support once the intensity of treatment was completed was identified as a weakness in the support available. The support system, established around a regional radiotherapy service, was enhanced by the collaborative professional relationships developed among service providers. The service extends beyond clinical service delivery by recognising financial, logistical and psychosocial support needs, factors to be considered to ensure rural radiotherapy patients are provided with holistic care.

Understanding rural caregivers’ experiences of cancer care when accessing metropolitan cancer services: a qualitative study

“…Studies have examined the experience and needs of people with cancer who live in rural areas,25 finding that they experience complex decision making,19 and they are required to consider socioeconomic factors related to travel and being away from home in order to access treatment 26. To date, however, the experience of rural caregivers who assist patients in accessing metropolitan cancer services has not been investigated, leaving a gap in understanding about their role in supporting and caring for rural people with cancer.…”

Barriers to Accessing, Commencing and Completing Cancer Treatment Among Geriatric Patients in Rural Australia: A Qualitative Perspective

“…The findings of the present study also appear to confirm a recent qualitative study done in Bunbury, which noted that enhancement in facilities in rural areas enabled enhanced treatment response of patients, owing in part to the bridging of geographical gaps. 12 Haigh et al 28 also identified that many cancer patients were satisfied with the support services of regional centers while receiving radiotherapy in Western Australia. In our study, there have been positive responses of both patients and caregivers from within the regional center, and those residing in surrounding areas accessing outreach clinics, regarding the quality of facilities and staff in the regional cancer care center.…”

Being away from home for cancer treatment: a qualitative study of patient experience and supportive care needs during radiation therapy

“…27 Patients expressed a sense of comfort in having a regular GP, pharmacist and team of specialists providing efficient and clear communication. Previous research 28 notes that rural cancer patients benefit greatly when there is effective collaboration and co-operation between inter-disciplinary teams. It highlighted the decline in support following the completion of intensive treatment.…”

“…This study revealed what patients would recommend to others, for example, treatment-specific information on how to practise DIBH at home, or maps of the local area. Ugalde et al 28 found that rural carers also require practical support navigating the health system, arranging accommodation and travel to help maintain their own well-being and focus on supporting the patient. Practical evidence-based supportive care for both patients and carers is paramount.…”