Conquering the great divide: Rural mothers of children with chronic health conditions accessing specialist medical care for their children

Abstract

<b>Background</b><br/>Globally, the number of children with chronic health conditions (CHCs) is increasing and mothers are mostly responsible for their care.<br/><b>Aim</b><br/>Few studies have focused on rural mothers and their experiences of sourcing health care for their children who have CHCs. The purpose of this study was to explore these experiences.<br/><b>Method</b><br/>Using a phenomenological approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted in early 2018. The Consolidated criteria for Reporting Qualitative research (COREQ) guidelines were followed. Sixteen rural mothers were interviewed regarding their experiences of accessing health care to provide optimal management of their children's CHC.<br/><b>Findings</b><br/>Thematic analysis of resulting data revealed the overarching theme 'Conquering the great divide'. From this overarching theme, four themes emerged. This paper focuses on the first theme, 'Heading to the big smoke: access'.<br/><b>Discussion</b><br/>Rural mothers felt challenged accessing health care for their children in the major cities whilst also maintaining routine family life back home.<br/><b>Conclusion</b><br/>Understanding these rural women's experiences could assist health care professionals to develop strategies to facilitate rural mothers accessing services for their children with a CHC.