Unmet psychosocial care needs of the oncology patients in a South African rural setting

Abstract

This study explored and described the experiences of patients from a rural community regarding unmet psychosocial care needs at their local hospital service centres. The participants (n = 15, females = 13; males = 2) were oncology patients from three public hospitals in the Vhembe district of Limpopo Province, South Africa. The patients completed unstructured interviews on how they experienced oncology treatment and care at the hospitals. Thematic analysis of data revealed the patients perceived a lack in emotional support, a lack of timeliness of care, and a lack of education on their treatment. Rural health care services may need support in their capability to provide patient-oriented care services.

Keywords:

• care
• needs
• oncology patients
• psychosocial

Acknowledgements

The researchers are grateful to the cancer patients in Vhembe district for their contribution and participation and the manage- ment of the hospitals in Vhembe district.

ORCID

Neo Jacqueline Ramutumbu http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8633-7805

Dorah Ursula Ramathuba http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7571-4767

Maria Sonto Maputle http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2027-0601