Characteristics of Chemotherapy Practice in Rural and Remote Area Health Facilities in Queensland

McCarthy, Alexandra, Hegney, Desley, Brown, Leisa, Gilbar, Peter, Brodribb, Robert T. and Swales, June (2003) Characteristics of Chemotherapy Practice in Rural and Remote Area Health Facilities in Queensland. Australian Journal of Rural Health, 11 3: 138-144.


Author McCarthy, Alexandra
Hegney, Desley
Brown, Leisa
Gilbar, Peter
Brodribb, Robert T.
Swales, June
Title Characteristics of Chemotherapy Practice in Rural and Remote Area Health Facilities in Queensland
Journal name Australian Journal of Rural Health  (ERA 2012 Listed)    (ERA 2010 Rank B)   Check publisher's open access policy
Publication date 2003-06
Year available 2003
DOI 10.1046/j.1440-1584.2003.00475.x
Volume number 11
Issue number 3
ISSN 1038-5282: 1440-1584
Start page 138
End page 144
Total pages 7
Editor James Dunbar
Place of publication Carlton South, Vic.
Publisher Blackwell
Language eng
Subject 1112 Oncology and Carcinogenesis
1110 Nursing
111205 Chemotherapy
Abstract Objective: The overall objective of this study was to document the nature of the chemotherapy nursing practice of rural and remote area nurses in Queensland. Design: A questionnaire survey that elicited descriptive quantitative and qualitative data. Setting: Forty-seven rural and remote area health facilities in Queensland involved in the administration of chemotherapy. Subjects: Sixty-seven Queensland rural and remote area nurses involved in the administration of cytotoxic drugs. Main outcome measures: Characteristics of chemotherapy practice including context of practice, amount and type of chemotherapy administered, logistical problems, level of support from referral centres, policies and procedures, safety issues. Results: The results indicate that the risks to nursing staff and the potential for poor patient outcomes are higher than in specialist chemotherapy facilities. This is largely due to the human and material resource constraints characteristic of rural practice. These include a lack of understanding on the part of metropolitan-based health departments and the specialist cancer centres that refer patients to rural areas of the constraints that may adversely influence patient outcomes. Conclusions: It is essential that steps are taken to ensure that rural and remote area cancer patients have equitable access to safe and competent chemotherapy care delivered in their choice of context, and the results of this study provide guidance on ways that this can be achieved.
Additional Notes Published Online: 28 June 2008

 
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Created: Fri, 09 Jan 2009, 10:28:40 EST by Ms Julie Anne Hansen on behalf of School of Nursing and Midwifery