The palliative care experiences of adults living in regional and remote areas of Australia: A literature review.
BACKGROUND
Regional and remote areas are often disadvantaged in terms of access to palliative care services. The impact of reduced access to services on people living in regional or remote areas of Australia is poorly understood.


OBJECTIVE
Identify and examine current literature relating to the palliative care experiences of adults living in regional and remote areas of Australia.


METHODS
CINAHL, Medline, PubMed, Cochrane Review Library and grey literature were searched using a combination of keywords. A thematic analysis was applied.


RESULTS
Thirteen articles were included in the final review. Poor access, relocation and hardship were identified as issues affecting participants.


CONCLUSIONS
Limited literature was available addressing the palliative care experiences of adults living in regional and remote areas of Australia. To identify and address any inequities in palliative care provision and access, the experiences of palliative care patients living outside major cities need to be examined.
a School of Nursing and Midwifery , Western Sydney University , Locked Bag 1797 Penrith, Sydney , NSW 2751 , Australia.
Melissa
M
Jansson
a School of Nursing and Midwifery , Western Sydney University , Locked Bag 1797 Penrith, Sydney , NSW 2751 , Australia.
Kathleen
K
Dixon
a School of Nursing and Midwifery , Western Sydney University , Locked Bag 1797 Penrith, Sydney , NSW 2751 , Australia.
Deborah
D
Hatcher
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001315:Australia; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D019035:Rural Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*
cancer; literature review; nursing; palliative care; regional area; remote area