PhD project: Home-based palliative cancer care at the end of life in rural areas 

The purpose is to gain knowledge of the needs of rural families and provide recommendations for health policy, clinical practice, and research. Insight into the preferences of family carers can help in providing knowledge on how to support families in order to enable more patients to have a dignified final time at home and a greater opportunity to die at home. 

Relevance
Around eight million people die of cancer each year, but only 14% receive the palliative care they need at the end of life. Due to an ageing population, improved cancer treatments and longer life expectancy, the demand for palliative services is expected to increase in the coming years. In rural areas where health services are limited, families play a central role in providing palliative care at home to their loved ones. However, research shows that rural families often face unique challenges in caring for their loved ones, and there is a need for more knowledge and support. 

Methods
The data collection methods include a systematic review of national and international research and qualitative individual interviews with families of cancer patients living in rural areas in Northern- Norway. 

UiT, The Arctic University of Norway