LAUSR

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.