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Min J, Liu P, Xiao K, Huang Z, Lai X. The quality of dying and death of patients with cancer from Shanghai in China from the perspective of healthcare providers: A cross-sectional study. Int J Nurs Sci 2024; 11:179-186. [PMID: 38707693 PMCID: PMC11064619 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnss.2024.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To evaluate the quality of dying and death among deceased patients with cancer in Shanghai from the perspective of healthcare providers. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in Shanghai from April to July 2023. A convenience sample of 261 healthcare providers working at eight healthcare institutions participated. Each participant was asked to evaluate the quality of dying and death of one deceased patient who had been cared for recently using the Good Death Scale for patients in China (GDS-PCN). The scale included family companionship (eight items), dying with peace (six items), professional care (six items), preparation & no regrets (five items), maintaining dignity (four items), keeping autonomy (four items), and physical wellbeing (three items) seven dimensions, 36 items. Results The total GDS-PCN score was 144.11 ± 17.86. The professional care dimension scored the highest (4.21 ± 0.58), whereas the preparation and no regret dimension scored the lowest (3.75 ± 0.70). Significant differences in the GDS-PCN scores were based on the healthcare institution grade, ward type, hospitalization duration, communication about the condition, treatment, and death-related topics with the healthcare provider, and decision-making style (P < 0.05). The quality of dying and death of the deceased patients was higher among those who received care in community health service centers and hospice wards, those who had been hospitalized for more than 15 days, those who had discussed their personal conditions, treatment, and death-related topics with healthcare providers to a greater extent; and those who were involved in decision-making (P < 0.05). Conclusion The overall quality of dying and death among cancer patients in Shanghai is moderate to high, but the quality of dying and death in the preparation and no regret dimension and the keeping autonomy dimension still have room for improvement. Increased utilization of hospice care and better communication between patients and healthcare providers may enhance decedents' quality of dying and death. Future research on this topic is required from different perspectives and on a broader scale in the mainland of China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Min
- School of Nursing, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Peihao Liu
- School of Nursing, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kaifeng Xiao
- School of Nursing, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhe Huang
- Department of Nursing, Shanghai Cancer Center of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaobin Lai
- School of Nursing, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Uzunkaya Oztoprak P, Terzioglu F. Attitudes of Oncology Nurses Towards Care of Dying Patients and the Principles of Dying with Dignity and Their Views on Good Death. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2024; 88:961-976. [PMID: 34870522 DOI: 10.1177/00302228211057743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated oncology nurses' attitudes toward caring for dying patients, their principles of dying with dignity, and their views on good death. This descriptive study included 257 oncology nurses working at two university hospitals, an educational research hospital and a state hospital in Turkey. Data were collected using the descriptive characteristics information form, the Frommelt Attitudes toward Care of the Dying scale, the Assessment Scale of Attitudes toward the Principles of Dying with Dignity, and the Good Death Scale. The nurses obtained mean scores of 99.53 ± 7.76 on the Frommelt Attitudes toward Care of the Dying scale, 26.84 ± 12.45 on the Assessment Scale of Attitudes toward the Principles of Dying with Dignity, and 57.23 ± 7.48 on the Good Death Scale. The nurses' personal and professional characteristics influenced their attitudes toward caring for dying patients, the principles of dying with dignity, and their views on good death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinar Uzunkaya Oztoprak
- Faculty of Nursing, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecologic Nursing, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Fusun Terzioglu
- Nursing, Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, Kocaeli Health and Technology University, Kocaeli, Turkey
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Fu C, Glasdam S. The 'good death' in Mainland China - A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NURSING STUDIES ADVANCES 2022; 4:100069. [PMID: 38745620 PMCID: PMC11080441 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnsa.2022.100069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Since the mid 80'ies, the western palliative care philosophy has influenced the development of palliative care in mainland China. However, it has caused several challenges. Objective To explore the understanding of the 'good death' among authorities, professionals, patients, and their relatives in end-of-life care settings in mainland China. Design Scoping review. The PRISMA-ScR checklist was used. The study is not registered. Settings End-of-life care settings, Mainland China. Participants Authorities, healthcare professionals, adult patients, and general population in mainland China. Method Literature searches were performed through Medline, CINAHL, PsycInfo, and Web of Sciences from 2001-2021, last search 21.4.2021. Inclusion criteria were: Empirical research studies investigating 'good death' or political documents about 'good death', perspectives from authorities, professionals, patients, and/or relatives, and studies following the Declaration of Helsinki. Exclusion criteria were: Literature reviews, languages other than English and Chinese, editorials, letters, comments, and children's death/dying.The analysis consisted of analysing the data including a descriptive numerical summary analysis and a qualitative thematic analysis. Results Nineteen articles and two political documents were included. The 19 studies were carried out from 2003-2020, with data collected from 1999 to 2019. The political documents were written in 2012 and 2017, respectively. The thematic analysis resulted in three themes: 'Medicalisation of death', 'Communication about death - a clash between two philosophies', and 'Dying and death were socially dependent'. The medicalisation of death meant the understanding of the 'good death' primarily focused on physical symptoms and treatments. The good death was understood as painless and symptom-free, where all symptoms could be measured and assessed. Dignity and shared decision-making were connected to the understanding of the 'good death'. However, the contents of the 'good death' varied across the different actors. The understanding of the 'good death' in mainland China was a negotiation between Chinese traditional philosophy and contemporary western medicine practice. There was a tension between openness and silence about death, which reflected the importance of death education. The understanding of the 'good death' consisted partly of a timely and practical preparation for the death and afterlife, partly of a matter of social and financial issues. Conclusions There seemed to be a clash between two different cultures in the understanding of a good death in Mainland China, where western philosophy seemed to rule the political medical actors while traditional Chinese philosophy seemed to rule parts of the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Fu
- Integrative Health Research, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Margaretavägen 1 B, S- 222 41 Lund, Sweden
| | - Stinne Glasdam
- Integrative Health Research, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Margaretavägen 1 B, S- 222 41 Lund, Sweden
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The perspective of professional caregivers working in generalist palliative care on 'good dying': An integrative review. Soc Sci Med 2021; 293:114647. [PMID: 34902648 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.114647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In today's industrial societies, many people die receiving professional care. Although specialist palliative and hospice care have often been identified as ideal care approaches to promote good dying, more people die receiving generalist palliative care. This integrative review examines how professional caregivers providing generalist palliative care in hospitals, nursing or private homes define good dying. Furthermore, through comparative analysis of existing empirical studies, it explores conceptual aspects in researching good dying that better reflect the social complexity of this phenomenon. Three databases (Scopus, MEDLINE, and CINAHL) were searched for peer-reviewed studies published between January 2000 and April 2020. Studies were selected if they presented original empirical findings from qualitative or quantitative studies on the perspective of professional caregivers in generalist palliative care (nurses, physicians, surgeons, clergy, and other staff) on good dying or related concepts (e.g., good death, dignity in dying, or quality of life at the end of life). 42 studies were included in the review. They identified good dying as expected, accepted and prepared dying, as free from pain and suffering, as socially embedded, as being at peace with one's life and situation, as supported with individualised and holistic care, as based upon professional cooperation and communication, and as in a peaceful and private environment. The paper concludes that the perspective of professional caregivers in generalist palliative care shares many elements of good dying with societal and specialist palliative care discourses around good dying. Through comparing the different studies, the review found that studies that explicated who benefitted from ideals and practices of good dying, questioned the dichotomous categorisation of good/bad dying, or discussed the compatibility of elements of good dying, provided more nuanced perspectives on this topic. Thus, the review calls for a more systematic analysis of these aspects in research of good dying.
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Köktürk Dalcali B, Taş AS. What Intern Nursing Students in Turkey Think About Death and End-of-Life Care? A Qualitative Exploration. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2021; 60:4417-4434. [PMID: 34282510 PMCID: PMC8288065 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-021-01330-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This descriptive qualitative study was planned to determine the views of intern nursing students about death and end-of-life care. The study was completed with 12 intern students based on the criterion of data saturation. As a result of the study, the categories of 'end,' 'uncertainty,' 'fear,' 'beginning,' 'helplessness' under the theme of death, 'ensuring peace,' 'continuing communication' 'providing psychosocial/spiritual support,' 'acting in conformity with principles of ethics/morality,' 'continuing to provide physical care,' 'supporting the family,' 'making the best use of the limited remaining time or helping the patient's last wishes come true' under the theme of end-of-life care emerged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berna Köktürk Dalcali
- Department of Nursing Fundamentals, Faculty of Health Sciences, Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University, Bandırma, Balıkesir Turkey
| | - Ayşe Sinem Taş
- Department of Nursing Fundamentals, Faculty of Health Sciences, Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University, Bandırma, Balıkesir Turkey
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Ma RH, Zhao XP, Ni ZH, Xue XL. Paediatric oncology ward nurses' experiences of patients' deaths in China: A qualitative study. BMC Nurs 2021; 20:197. [PMID: 34649533 PMCID: PMC8518223 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-021-00720-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Considering cancer death is second only to accidental death in the number of lives claimed each year,nurses in paediatric oncology wards often experience helplessness, sadness, frustration and such other adverse emotions when they witness children's death due to cancer.However,there is a lack of qualitative studies on nurses who witness the death of children in paediatric oncology wards in China. METHOD A qualitative study was conducted using a semi-structured interview guide with 22 paediatric oncology ward nurses. Interviews were recorded and simultaneously translated and transcribed. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. RESULTS The analysis resulted in the identification of three main thematic categories: Different emotional expression, Different copingstrategies, A weak support system. Nursing managers should pay attention to problems faced by nurses in paediatric oncology wards, and take targeted measures in terms of continuing training courses, improving the psychological adaptability of oncology professional nurses, and providing them substantive support. CONCLUSION Nurses in paediatric oncology wards have strong stress responses to facing the death of children. They reported experiencing complex psychological feelings and have different coping attitudes. Healthcare authorities should recognise and understand the needs of paediatric oncology ward nurses, who often witness the death of children. Appropriate and effective support measures should be planned and implemented for these nurses to maintain their mental health, thus enabling them to better serve patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruo Han Ma
- Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No.92, Zhongnan St, Suzhou, 215025, China.,Medical College of Soochow University, No.199 Renai Rd, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Xue Ping Zhao
- School of Nursing, Medical College of Soochow University, No.1 Shizi St, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Zhi Hong Ni
- Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No.92, Zhongnan St, Suzhou, 215025, China.
| | - Xiao Ling Xue
- Global Institute of Software Technology, No.5, Qinshan Rd, Suzhou, 215163, China.
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Cultural implications for disclosure of diagnosis and prognosis toward terminally ill cancer patients in China: A literature review. Palliat Support Care 2021; 20:283-289. [PMID: 33947500 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951521000535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Health professionals in China tend to avoid open communication with terminally ill cancer patients concerning their diagnosis and prognosis. This review aims to explore Chinese cultural beliefs and attitudes concerning disclosure and death among health professionals and cancer patients in China and to investigate preferences of terminally ill cancer patients for a "good death." METHOD A narrative literature review was conducted in May 2020 on MEDLINE, EMBASE, and WEB OF SCIENCE to include all studies with clear study design which presented its own study data or referred to data within underlying studies, published between January 2000 and May 2020, having cancer patients and/or healthcare professionals as participants, conducted in Mainland China, Hong Kong, or Taiwan and containing relevant data concerning "medical disclosure" or "good death." Quality assessment of publications was conducted using the NIH and CASP checklists. RESULTS Primary database search revealed a total of 108 papers of which 9 were ultimately included. The additional hand search led to the inclusion of eight further papers. In total, there were 11 quantitative studies, 4 qualitative studies and 2 literature reviews included in this review. Our findings indicated that most terminally ill cancer patients in China want to know the truth about their diagnosis and prognosis and preferred to be informed by their doctors. Terminally ill cancer patients valued a good relationship with family and medical staff as well as being respected as an individual and wanted to be able to prepare for death. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS Terminally ill cancer patients in China often have a substantial need for information about their condition while their preferences are widely consistent with those in Western societies. Training for health professionals needs to focus on communication skills in order to overcome barriers in patient interaction.
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Chung H, Harding R, Guo P. Palliative Care in the Greater China Region: A Systematic Review of Needs, Models, and Outcomes. J Pain Symptom Manage 2021; 61:585-612. [PMID: 32916261 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.08.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT There is rapidly increasing need for palliative care in Greater China because of rapidly aging populations. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to systematically review and appraise evidence for palliative care needs, models of care, interventions, and outcomes in Greater China. METHODS Four databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO) were searched, with hand searching of local journals and databases. Narrative synthesis was applied to the qualitative and quantitative evidence. RESULTS Nineteen qualitative studies and 47 quantitative studies were retained. With respect to care needs, nine themes were synthesized: pain control, reduced aggressive end-of-life care, truth telling, physical, emotional, and spiritual supports, and achieving preferred place of care/death. Informal caregivers expressed their needs for education and burden reduction. Health care professionals called for training and national policy support. Twenty-four studies evaluated interventions, mostly among patients with advanced cancer. Positive effects were suggested for improvements in quality of life, pain, anxiety and depression, readmission rate, and costs. Models of care evaluated were mostly specialist palliative care delivered in various settings (hospitals, residential care, and home). Outcome measures used were grouped into six categories of construct: quality of life, pain, physical assessment, psychospiritual assessment, quality of care, and implementation assessment. Limited rigorous randomized controlled trials are available to document intervention outcomes, and some problems (such as high attrition rates) reduced the strength of the evidence. CONCLUSION Palliative care services within Greater China should pay more attention to management of nonmalignant disease and to integration into primary services. Policy support is key to establishing culturally appropriate person-centered services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huei Chung
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhongxiao Branch, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Richard Harding
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Ping Guo
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London, London, UK; School of Nursing, Institute of Clinical Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
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Li T, Pei X, Chen X, Zhang S. Identifying End-of-Life Preferences Among Chinese Patients With Cancer Using the Heart to Heart Card Game. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2020; 38:62-67. [DOI: 10.1177/1049909120917361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Understanding the preferences for end-of-life (EOL) care is imperative in providing quality care to patients with life-threatening illness. However, it is difficult for patients, families, and health-care providers to initiate EOL conversations in China. An easy-to-use tool that could help health-care providers initiate EOL discussions is the Heart to Heart Card Game (HHCG), originally designed for Chinese Americans. Objective: To evaluate the EOL preferences among Chinese patients with cancer using the HHCG. Methods: We conducted a descriptive study to assess EOL preferences using HHCG among patients at the oncology chemoradiotherapy department of a Chinese tertiary hospital. Results: We recruited 58 patients in total of which 40 (69%) patients completed HHCG. The most frequently selected card was “I want my family to get along,” followed by “I don’t want to be a burden to my family,” and “I want to maintain my dignity.” Among the 3 cards selected, social needs were rated as the most important (36.7%), followed by spiritual needs (35.8%), physical needs (20.0%), and financial needs (7.5%). The evaluation of the HHCG revealed that more than 70% of the participants highly valued HHCG. Conclusion: The HHCG can be used as a communication tool to encourage EOL discussions between cancer patients and health-care providers in China. Moreover, Chinese patients with cancer attach significant importance to their family and maintaining dignity at the EOL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Li
- School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei province, China
| | - Xianbo Pei
- School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei province, China
| | - Xiaoli Chen
- School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei province, China
| | - Shuqin Zhang
- Department of Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei province, China
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