LAUSR

BACKGROUND Lung cancer referral pathways aim to reduce delays and improve referral patterns of people with suspected lung cancer. As part of implementing lung cancer referral pathway at a regional Australian hospital, this study aimed to explore the experiences and perceptions of people with lung cancer and their carers. METHODS In-depth interviews were used to elicit data for thematic analysis in this cross-sectional descriptive qualitative study. Newly diagnosed lung cancer patients and their carers at a regional academic cancer centre were invited to participate in interviews. Five interviews were conducted face-to-face, and fourteen interviews were conducted by telephone (as per interviewee preference). Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and qualitatively analysed. Descriptive phrases were used to generate initial inductive codes and themes. RESULTS Nineteen participants approached agreed to take part in the study. Factors which positively impacted the care experience were good communication, timeliness and patient advocacy and support. Improper communication, long waiting times for investigations and appointments, uncertainty about the process and inconsistent advice from providers negatively impacted the care experience. Participants preferred face to face or video-linked consultations over telephone consultations. CONCLUSIONS Understanding the experiences of rural and regional patients and carers with the TLCRP is important to improve quality of care. Implementing changes to Townsville Lung Cancer Referral Pathway to improve patient and carer experiences needs to be an ongoing quality improvement exercise. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.