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BMC Cancer
Published in: BMC Cancer 1/2017

Open Access 01-12-2017 | Research article

The enablers, barriers and preferences of accessing radiation therapy facilities in the rural developed world – a systematic review

Authors: Sandra C. Thompson, Shelley Cheetham, Siddhartha Baxi

Published in: BMC Cancer | Issue 1/2017

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Abstract

Background

Utilisation of radiation therapy for regional Australia and around the world has been the focus of much health policy the last decade. Radiation therapy centres have been built in Australian regional and rural areas to improve access to radiation therapy and reduce the tyranny of distance as a barrier to access. After this the enablers, barriers and perceptions of patients has been evaluated to determine utilisation once centres have been built. Thisreview looks the impact of rural radiation services in the developed world, barriers and enablers of establishing a rural radiation centre, and patients’ and service providers’ perspectives and preferences around the uptake of rural radiation therapy.

Methods

Online search of peer reviewed literature was undertaken using MeSH terms relating to the topic. Inclusion criteria were regional radiation therapy centres in developing countries, any year of publication, in English, and qualitative or quantitative methodologies. Articles were reviewed by two authors with conflicts discussed with a third.

Results

Twenty three studies addressed the theme directly. Distance barriers have been overcome by building regional centres and health economic burden was lower for government service providers with this strategy. However distance still plays an important role in influencing uptake of radiation therapy. Cultural expectations, influence of the family doctor and perception of care was influential. Carer support, duration of displacement from home, financial impact of the required care and seasonal weather were practical factors on a patient’s decision.

Conclusions

Regional radiation therapy centres have improved access to radiation therapy in developing countries. However the complex nuances between socio-economic, cultural and health system factors that influence regional patient’s decision making bears further consideration, as distance is not the only issue.
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Metadata
Title
The enablers, barriers and preferences of accessing radiation therapy facilities in the rural developed world – a systematic review
Authors
Sandra C. Thompson
Shelley Cheetham
Siddhartha Baxi
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Cancer / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2407
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-017-3790-7

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