Impact of rural living on the experience of chronic illness

Abstract

This paper concentrates on the specific impact that living in rural Australia has on the experience of chronic illness, and draws on data collected in a larger phenomenological study. Eighteen rural Australians in New South Wales described their experiences and referred particularly to issues that related to their rural context. A secondary analysis of the data revealed three sub-themes related to the concept of rural, choice of doctor, travelling and life style. The shortfalls in service identified by these participants deserves further investigation and could become fertile ground for an expanded nursing service.