Experiences of People with Cancer from Rural and Remote Areas of Western Australia Using Supported Accommodation in Perth While Undergoing Treatment

A Novel Small Form-Factor Handheld Optical Coherence Tomography Probe for Oral Soft Tissue Imaging

Tissue imaging is crucial in oral cancer diagnostics. Imaging techniques such as X-ray imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and computed tomography (CT) enable the visualization and analysis of tissues, aiding in the detection and diagnosis of cancers. A significant amount of research has been conducted on designing OCT probes for tissue imaging, but most probes are either heavy, bulky and require external mounting or are lightweight but straight. This study addresses these challenges, resulting in a curved lightweight, low-voltage and compact handheld imaging probe for oral soft tissue examination. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first curved handheld OCT probe with its shape optimized for oral applications. This probe features highly compact all-fiber optics with a diameter of 125 μm and utilizes innovative central deflection magnetic actuation for controlled beam scanning. To ensure vertical stability while scanning oral soft tissues, the fiber was secured through multiple narrow slits at the probe's distal end. This apparatus was encased in a 3D-printed angular cylinder tube (15 mm outer diameter, 12 mm inner diameter and 160 mm in length, weighing < 20 g). An angle of 115° makes the probe easy to hold and suitable for scanning in space-limited locations. To validate the feasibility of this probe, we conducted assessments on a multi-layered imaging phantom and human tissues, visualizing microstructural features with high contrast.

Critically Ill Patients: Family Experiences of Interfacility Transfers From Rural to Urban Centers and Impact on Family Relationships

A critical illness event is intensely stressful for family members and can lead to negative psychological, emotional, social and financial consequences. In geographically rural areas, critically ill patients may require an interfacility transfer to an urban centre for advanced critical care services. In this context, research suggests that these family members from rural areas experience additional burdens, yet little is known about these experiences. An interpretive phenomenological approach was used to explore lived experiences of family members from rural areas whose critically ill relative undergoes an interfacility transfer to an urban centre for advanced critical care services. Participants described feelings of vulnerability in the urban centre, the need to protect the critically ill patient and other relatives, maintaining responsibilities at home, navigating family relationships, and a loss of connection during the transfer window. These findings may better position nurses to address family members' stress and anxiety during this experience.