Relocation for treatment for leukaemia: A description of need

Abstract

As rural Queenslanders are isolated geographically due to dispersed populationpatterns, they are often required to travel long distances to access services, especiallyservices of a specialist nature. The distress of this relocation for treatment is particularlyintensified for patients with leukaemia and associated haematological disorders andtheir carers, as they must often relocate for long periods of time and face invasive anddemanding treatments away from the comfort of their own homes. Because suchtreatments are now highly technical and specialised, even patients from moreurbanised areas are also required to relocate for prolonged specialist treatment notavailable locally. Consequently, for many rural and urban patients with leukaemia,relocation for specialist treatment is a major concern.This discussion presents findings from recent research on a Queensland Governmentinitiative, the Patient Transit Assistance Scheme, designed to address this concern.These findings indicate a high level of hardship for these patients and their familieswho must travel long distances, often relocate for long periods, and endure additionalfinancial burdens at a time when a majority are dependent on government assistance.