Influence of rurality when accessing emergency healthcare during exacerbation of asthma: A scoping review

Asthma is one of the largest contributors of respiratory illness throughout Australia. 11% of the Australian population is affected by asthma with a large amount of those residing in rural and remote locations. With fewer asthma related deaths occurring in major cities it’s important to investigate the extent living in rural and remote areas affects the decision making of patients accessing emergency healthcare. The aim of this review is to highlight the difference in circumstances between metropolitan and rural and remote Australia in accessing emergency care during a moderate to severe asthma exacerbation.