The Diagnosis and Treatment Decisions of Cancer Patients in Rural Western Australia

Abstract

Rural patients need help and support throughout their cancer journey, including through the process of diagnosis.

Supportive care needs of rural individuals living with cancer: A literature review

“…Moreover, emotional and psychosocial well-being was often maintained even when relocation was required. Factors that contributed to a greater sense of well-being while away from home included staying in affordable and comfortable accommodations, developing close ties with individuals in similar circumstances, fostering a sense of comfort by being close to expert oncology services, alleviating the demands of driving every day, or spending additional quality time with significant other (Fitch et al, 2003;Martin-McDonald et al, 2003;McConigley et al, 2011;Pesut et al, 2010).…”

“…The most noteworthy finding in the reviewed studies was that participants face challenges related to service provision in their rural communities. Of the 23 studies reviewed, 10 articles revealed service provision challenges such as lack of access to cancer information, limited access to professional or hospital assistance, and isolation from professional support or other supportive services were enduring challenges (Clavarino et al, 2002;Duggleby et al, 2010;Engleman, Perpich, Peterson, Hall, & Ellerbeck, 2005;Fitch et al, 2003;Gray, James, Manthorne, Gould, & Fitch, 2004;McConigley et al, 2011;McGrath, 2001;Rogers-Clark, 2002;Wilkes, White, & Riordan, 2000;Wilkes, White, Mohan, & Beale, 2006).…”

“…It was reported that rural family doctors may not possess appropriate or current information, recognize symptoms of illness, or have the expertise to make a cancer diagnosis, all of which may lead to delayed diagnosis and/or compromised quality of care (Bain et al, 2002;McConigley et al, 2011;Rogers-Clark, 2002;Wilkes et al, 2000;Wilkes et al, 2006). Alternatively, Baldwin and colleagues (2008) revealed that individuals living with colorectal cancer preferred to travel to urban centres because they were more confident with the care provided by highly specialized teams in these settings.…”

Who provides care for people dying of cancer? A comparison of a rural and metropolitan cohort in a South Australian bereaved population study

“…Although the differential in health outcomes is well recognised, there is a need to understand any differences in the health services that are available to people and their caregivers, especially at the end of life. Despite the disparities that have been described, semi-structured interviews in Western Australia amongst a range of rural patients identified an overarching theme of 'implicit faith' in the health system, despite known delays and inconveniences (1). The contribution of families and friends in providing care and social support is also a critical component in rural health (2,3).…”

Les besoins en soins de soutien des personnes vivant avec le cancer dans des régions rurales : une recension de la documentation scientifique

“…La conclusion la plus notable parmi les études recensées était le fait que les participants connaissent des difficultés afférentes à l'offre de services dans leurs collectivités rurales. Parmi les 23 articles recensés, 10 mentionnaient des enjeux continus sur le plan de l'offre de services : manque d'accès à l'information sur le cancer, accès limité à l'assistance professionnelle ou hospitalière et éloignement de tout soutien professionnel ou d'autres services de soutien (Clavarino et al, 2002;Duggleby et al, 2010;Engleman, Perpich, Peterson, Hall & Ellerbeck, 2005;Fitch et al, 2003;Gray, James, Manthorne, Gould & Fitch, 2004;McConigley et al, 2011;McGrath, 2001;Rogers-Clark, 2002;Wilkes, White & Riordan, 2000;Wilkes, White, Mohan & Beale, 2006).…”