Deakin University
Browse

File(s) under permanent embargo

How rural and urban patients in Australia with colorectal or breast cancer experience choice of treatment provider: a qualitative study

journal contribution
posted on 2017-02-01, 00:00 authored by R Bergin, J Emery, R Bollard, Vicki WhiteVicki White
Modern healthcare systems promote patient choice of cancer treatment provider, but little is known about how place of residence influences decision-making. This research explored how rural and urban patients with breast or colorectal cancer experience choice of cancer treatment provider in Victoria, Australia. Realist thematic analysis of 43 semi-structured telephone interviews identified little active participation in decision-making regardless of area of residence or cancer diagnosis. Perceptions of choice were impacted by urgency for treatment, insurance status and access to providers, a key issue for rural patients. All patients wanted high quality care, but needed to trust health professional's recommendations. Rural patients experienced more complex decision-making, balancing a range of social factors with perceptions about quality of accessible care. Further research into variation in quality of care and complex cancer pathways for rural and urban cancer patients is warranted to inform choices and enhance patient-centred care.

History

Journal

European journal of cancer care

Volume

26

Issue

6

Season

Special Issue: Themed section: Bone health and cancer

Article number

e12646

Pagination

1 - 10

Publisher

Wiley

Location

Chichester, Eng.

ISSN

0961-5423

eISSN

1365-2354

Language

eng

Publication classification

C Journal article; C1.1 Refereed article in a scholarly journal

Copyright notice

2017, Wiley

Usage metrics

    Research Publications

    Categories

    No categories selected

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC