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Challenges and Opportunities for Cancer Care in Regional Australia: The Health Professional´s Perspective

Background: Cancer specialists working in rural and regional Australia may experience unique difficulties when compared with their metropolitan counterparts, as they often have higher workloads, spend longer hours in clinical practice, and experience professional and social isolation. Previous research has identified accessibility and distance from services, a shortage of workforce, limited availability of specialists and allied health providers, suboptimal chemotherapy administration, and reduced availability of radiotherapy services as predictors of poorer outcomes in regional areas. Yet to date, limited research has focused on the perspective of the regional healthcare professionals. Aim: This study aimed to identify the factors which health professionals believe influence clinical care and outcomes for people with cancer in regional areas of Australia, to confirm existing barriers and identify any new insights specific to the health professional perspective. Methods: Semistructured interviews were conducted with regional oncology health professionals of varying backgrounds. Interview questions explored health professional´s perspectives on barriers to cancer care for patients, factors which influence clinical care, and access to support in regional areas. Data were interpreted using an inductive thematic analysis approach. Results: Two global themes were identified: rural culture and the health system. Within these global themes, health professionals discussed barriers to cancer care in regional areas, predominantly associated with travel, limited workforce, and poor communication within the health system. Participants also noted many positive aspects of cancer care in regional areas, including more personalised care for the patients and faster career progression for professionals. Conclusion: Despite recent innovations aimed at improving rural cancer care, including innovative models of care and increased infrastructure, regional health professionals still perceive many barriers to cancer care in regional Australia. These are predominantly associated with patient demographics, travel difficulties, and inadequate governance. However, there are also many notable benefits to receiving care in regional areas which have been absent from previous literature. These positive factors should be incorporated in efforts to enhance regional cancer care through the recruitment of health professionals to regional areas and development of regional community support networks. An understanding of the experiences of health professionals working in oncology settings in regional areas is a key step toward improving care and providing recommendations to health services and policymakers, particularly regarding recruitment and retention.