The Impact on Employment for Rural Cancer Patients and Their Caregivers Travelling to Major Cities for Treatment
Article
Johnston, Elizabeth A., Craig, Nicole, Stiller, Anna, Zajdlewicz, Leah, Aitken, Joanne F., Ireland, Michael J., Dunn, Jeff, Chambers, Suzanne K. and Goodwin, Belinda C. 2023. "The Impact on Employment for Rural Cancer Patients and Their Caregivers Travelling to Major Cities for Treatment." Health and Social Care in the Community. 2023. https://doi.org/10.1155/2023/6728504
| Article Title | The Impact on Employment for Rural Cancer Patients and Their Caregivers Travelling to Major Cities for Treatment |
|---|---|
| ERA Journal ID | 13537 |
| Article Category | Article |
| Authors | Johnston, Elizabeth A., Craig, Nicole, Stiller, Anna, Zajdlewicz, Leah, Aitken, Joanne F., Ireland, Michael J., Dunn, Jeff, Chambers, Suzanne K. and Goodwin, Belinda C |
| Journal Title | Health and Social Care in the Community |
| Journal Citation | 2023 |
| Article Number | 6728504 |
| Number of Pages | 14 |
| Year | 2023 |
| Publisher | Hindawi Publishing Corporation |
| Place of Publication | United Kingdom |
| ISSN | 0966-0410 |
| 1365-2524 | |
| Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1155/2023/6728504 |
| Web Address (URL) | https://www.hindawi.com/journals/hsc/2023/6728504/ |
| Abstract | Purpose. A cancer diagnosis significantly impacts daily life, particularly for those living outside of major cities who must travel to receive cancer treatment. This study investigated the impact of cancer and travelling for treatment on the employment of rural cancer patients and their caregivers. Methods. Cancer patients staying in subsidised accommodation lodges in Queensland, and their nominated caregivers, described employment status prior to diagnosis in a structured interview. Three months later, they answered several open-ended questions about the impact of cancer and travelling for treatment on their employment. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to report and analyse responses. Results. Of 308 rural cancer patients in paid employment prediagnosis, 70% reported a change in employment postdiagnosis, with 62% of these patients no longer working. Many of those still employed postdiagnosis required extended leave, flexible working arrangements, and a gradual return to work, particularly for those experiencing ongoing treatment side effects. Of the 102 rural caregivers in paid employment prior to the patient's diagnosis, 56% reported a change in employment after diagnosis, with 37% of these caregivers no longer working. Many caregivers were unable to work while at the lodge, except for those with flexible or remote work arrangements and low caregiver burden. Financial stress from loss of income and limited support in returning to work were common experiences. Conclusions. Disruptions to employment are common for people in rural areas affected by cancer. Support from employers is vital, including offering tasks that can be completed remotely or require less physical effort. |
| Keywords | Cancer Patients; Rural; Caregivers |
| ANZSRC Field of Research 2020 | 420321. Rural and remote health services |
| 321199. Oncology and carcinogenesis not elsewhere classified | |
| Byline Affiliations | Cancer Council Queensland, Australia |
| Queensland University of Technology | |
| QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Australia | |
| University of Queensland | |
| Centre for Health Research | |
| Australian Catholic University | |
| Griffith University | |
| Edith Cowan University | |
| Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia | |
| St Vincent’s Private Hospital, Sydney, Australia |
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https://research.usq.edu.au/item/z2965/the-impact-on-employment-for-rural-cancer-patients-and-their-caregivers-travelling-to-major-cities-for-treatment
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