A cross-sectional analysis of out-of-pocket expenses for people living with a cancer in rural and outer metropolitan Western Australia.

Objective To determine the extent of medical and non-medical out-of-pocket expenses (OOPE) among regional/rural and outer metropolitan Western Australian patients diagnosed with cancer, and the factors associated with higher costs. Methods Cross-sectional data were collected from adult patients living in four regional/rural areas and two outer metropolitan regions in Western Australia who had been diagnosed with breast, prostate, colorectal or lung cancer. Consenting participants were mailed demographic and financial questionnaires, and requested to report all OOPE related to their cancer treatment.

'…If I don't have that sort of money again, what happens?': adapting a qualitative model to conceptualise the consequences of out-of-pocket expenses for cancer patients in mixed health systems.

Objective The aim of this study was to explore Western Australian cancer patients' experiences of out-of-pocket expenses (OOPE) during diagnosis and cancer treatment using a phenomenological approach. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive convenience sample of 40 Western Australian cancer patients diagnosed with breast, lung, prostate or colorectal cancer. Participants were asked about the impact of their diagnosis, the associated costs and their experience within the health system.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of patient reported outcomes for nurse-led models of survivorship care for adult cancer patients.

Purpose: This systematic review aimed to determine the effectiveness of nurse-led cancer survivorship care, compared with existing models of care, on patient reported outcomes for cancer survivors.

Methods: Randomised and non-randomised controlled trials and controlled before-after studies published in English between 1 January 2007 and 28 July 2017 were identified in bibliographic databases including Medline, Pubmed and PsychINFO. Included studies described nurse-led cancer care after treatment to adults (age ≥18 years) <2 years post treatment completion.

Out-of-pocket expenses experienced by rural Western Australians diagnosed with cancer.

Purpose: Out-of-pocket expenses (OOPE) can have a significant impact on patients' experiences of cancer treatment. This cross-sectional study sought to quantify the OOPEs experienced by rural cancer patients in Western Australia (WA), and determine factors that contributed to higher OOPE.

Methods: Four hundred people diagnosed with breast, lung, colorectal or prostate cancer who resided in selected rural regions of WA were recruited through the WA Cancer Registry and contacted at least 3 months after diagnosis to report the medical OOPE (such as surgery or chemotherapy, supportive care, medication and tests) and non-medical OOPE (such as travel costs, new clothing and utilities) they had experienced as a result of accessing and receiving treatment.

Living With Multiple Myeloma: A Focus Group Study of Unmet Needs and Preferences for Survivorship Care.

Purpose: To describe the unmet informational, psychological, emotional, social, practical, and physical needs and preferences for posttreatment survivorship care of individuals living with multiple myeloma to inform the development of relevant, person-centered, survivorship services.

Methods: An exploratory, descriptive study using 2 focus groups with 14 participants, 6 to 49 months postdiagnosis.

Results: Thematic analysis revealed 7 key themes: information needs, experience with health-care professionals, coping with side effects, communicating with family and friends, dealing with emotions, support needs, and living with the chronicity of myeloma.

A qualitative study of the post-treatment experiences and support needs of survivors of lymphoma.

Purpose: To explore the post-treatment experiences and preferences for follow-up support of lymphoma survivors.

Methods: Two focus groups were conducted with 17 participants to explore informational, psychological, emotional, social, practical and physical needs, 6-30 months post-treatment for lymphoma. Perceptions regarding a potential model of survivorship care were also elicited.

Improving regional and rural cancer services in Western Australia.

Objective: This paper examines health reform which has been designed to improve cancer services across Western Australia.

Setting: Western Australia is a large state divided into nine regions each with differing demographics. The diversity of the state and the distribution of the population over a large area of land create significant challenge in ensuring equality in service delivery.

Developing a sustainable model of rural cancer care: the Western Australian Cancer Network project.

Problem: Cancer-related mortality is higher in rural areas than in urban centres. One of the contributing factors is limited access to treatment options in rural areas.

Design: An evaluation of the effectiveness of the Western Australian Cancer Network (CanNET WA) pilot project was undertaken using qualitative methods and document analysis.