[Australia] New study amplifies rural voices to improve palliative care at end-of-life

[Australia] New study amplifies rural voices to improve palliative care at end-of-life 
NewsWise; by University of South Australia; 5/13/25  
... [A] new study from the University of South Australia is shining a light on the experiences of rural South Australians who are navigating end-of-life care, in the hope of improving access to palliative care services and supports in rural and country areas. ... “People living outside of major cities are notoriously under-supported and underserviced when it comes to health care – and palliative care is no different,” Associate Professor Gunn says. “More than seven million Australians, almost 30% of the population, live in rural communities, yet only 16% of the palliative care workforce live and work in these areas. “Research tells us that earlier referral to palliative care services gives patients and families more control, helping them maximise their quality and quantity of life. Yet patients living in country or rural areas have less opportunity to receive specialist palliative care, and this can negatively affect their wellbeing, and the wellbeing of their family members."
Editor's note: Sound familiar? Click here for "Rural Hospice and Palliative Care - Resources," from the Rural Health Information Hub.