Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/58406
Title: Psychosocial Experiences in an Australian Rural Cancer Service: Mixed-Method Insights into Psychological Distress and Psychosocial Service Barriers
Contributor(s): Barnes, Marisa  (author)orcid ; Rice, Kylie  (author)orcid ; Usher, Kim  (author)orcid ; Thorsteinsson, Einar B  (author)orcid ; Murray, Clara V  (author)orcid ; Ord, Fiona (author)
Publication Date: 2023-12-29
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.1155/2023/9040803
Handle Link: https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/58406
Abstract: 

Purpose. To examine psychosocial and well-being concerns throughout the cancer experience, from prediagnosis to survivorship. Whilst most oncology research focuses on patients, the role and experiences of families and caregivers are increasingly recognised as a core component of health service delivery. Moreover, research suggests that geography is an important consideration, with evidence of rural inequities in health service provision and access. Aims. (i) To examine the unique patient and caregiver experiences of rural people in three rural cancer treatment centres in New South Wales (NSW) and (ii) to examine the barriers to rural patients and caregivers accessing psycho-oncological support in NSW. Methods. A convergent parallel mixed-method evaluation of the psychosocial experiences of rural patients and caregivers accessing cancer services through three health services in rural NSW was undertaken (N = 125). Measures of psychological distress as well as quantitative and qualitative barriers data were collected. Results. Approximately, one-third of the participants reported moderate to severe distress. Patients and caregivers reported systemic, intrapersonal, interpersonal, and pandemic-specifc barriers in accessing quality psychosocial healthcare. Conclusions. Tese results suggest that cancer patients and caregivers in rural NSW may experience elevated levels of psychological distress and barriers in accessing psychosocial care. Te combination of high psychological need for patients and caregivers with reduced availability of psychosocial support services has substantial implications for psychological wellbeing and service provision. Underdetection of psychosocial need and a lack of support services pose a signifcant challenge for rural people with cancer and for those who care for them; this must be an urgent priority for quality improvement and equitable healthcare provision.

Publication Type: Journal Article
Source of Publication: Health and Social Care in the Community, v.2023, p. 1-11
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd
Place of Publication: United Kingdom
ISSN: 1365-2524
0966-0410
Fields of Research (FoR) 2020: 520302 Clinical psychology
Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) 2020: 280121 Expanding knowledge in psychology
Peer Reviewed: Yes
HERDC Category Description: C1 Refereed Article in a Scholarly Journal
Appears in Collections:Journal Article
School of Health
School of Psychology

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