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How rural and urban patients in Australia with colorectal or breast cancer experience choice of treatment provider: A qualitative study
Author(s) -
Bergin R.,
Emery J.,
Bollard R.,
White V.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
european journal of cancer care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.849
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1365-2354
pISSN - 0961-5423
DOI - 10.1111/ecc.12646
Subject(s) - medicine , residence , thematic analysis , breast cancer , qualitative research , family medicine , nursing , patient satisfaction , health care , perception , quality of life (healthcare) , cancer , economic growth , demography , neuroscience , biology , social science , sociology , economics
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.