Characteristics of chemotherapy practice in rural and remote area health facilities in Queensland.
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.


METHODS
A questionnaire survey that elicited descriptive quantitative and qualitative data.


METHODS
Forty-seven rural and remote area health facilities in Queensland involved in the administration of chemotherapy.


METHODS
Sixty-seven Queensland rural and remote area nurses involved in the administration of cytotoxic drugs.


METHODS
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.
McCarthy
Alexandra
A
Centre for Rural and Remote Area Health, University of Southern Queensland, Australia. alexandra.mccarthy@griffith.edu.au
Hegney
Desley
D
Brown
Leisa
L
Gilbar
Peter
P
Brodribb
T Robert
TR
Swales
June
J
D015400:Clinical Nursing Research; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011793:Queensland; D019035:Rural Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*