Accessing metropolitan cancer care services: practical needs of rural families

Abstract

This study explored the practical needs of patients and their families travelling from rural areas in New South Wales, Australia to cities for cancer treatment. Practical needs were information, accommodation, transport, and economic impact. A cross-sectional design was employed; data were collected by questionnaire and focus group interviews. Findings showed that practical needs impacted on the ability of the patients and families to cope with diagnosis and treatment for cancer. The greatest unmet practical need of the patients and their families was for comprehensive information that is provided before travelling and by someone, for example, nurse or social worker who can help them decipher it if required.