University of South Australia (UniSA), Media Release, 10 May 2025

As National Palliative Care Week (19–25 May 2024) approaches, 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.

Conducted in partnership with the University of Adelaide and Flinders University and funded by The Hospital Research Foundation Group, the My Story, Our Journey project is capturing the lived experiences of rural people receiving, or supporting someone receiving, end-of-life care, to better understand what matters most to rural patients and their families during this time.

Palliative care encompasses a range of emotional and physical supports, including pain relief, home-care assistance, grief support and counselling, and can be delivered by a wide range of health professionals and community members at any stage of illness.

UniSA researcher and Project Lead, Associate Professor Kate Gunn, says palliative care is often misunderstood.

“When we talk about palliative care, people sometimes think of a person at the very end of their life ‘giving up’, and the medical care they receive. But this is a misconception,” Assoc Prof Gunn says.

“Palliative care is a holistic and broad approach to care that can be provided in a range of settings and aims to maximise quality of life for the patient as well as their family. It can offer them emotional, physical, and practical support from the time of their diagnosis of a life limiting illness, through to end of life.”

The new study focuses on the palliative care needs of rural communities.

“People living outside of major cities are notoriously under-supported and underserviced when it comes to health care – and palliative care is no different,” Assoc Prof 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.

“Our research hopes to give a voice to rural patients and their families, and to help advocate for support that best meets their needs.”

The team has already begun speaking with participants but are hoping to hear from more rural families across a range of situations.

Eligible participants include people who:

• Are 18 years of age or older
• Need some assistance with daily care
• Have been told by their doctor that their illness cannot be cured
• Live in rural South Australia

To find out more or express your interest in participating, contact kate.gunn@unisa.edu.au.

The study is funded by The Hospital Research Foundation Group – Palliative Care as part the Palliative Care Research Collaboration.

The University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide are joining forces to become Australia’s new major university – Adelaide University. Building on the strengths, legacies and resources of two leading universities, Adelaide University will deliver globally relevant research at scale, innovative, industry-informed teaching and an outstanding student experience. Adelaide University will open its doors in January 2026. Find out more on the Adelaide University website.