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Elias H, Ozdemir S, Bairavi J, Achieng E, Finkelstein EA. Prognostic awareness and prognostic information preferences among advanced cancer patients in Kenya. Afr J Prim Health Care Fam Med 2024; 16:e1-e6. [PMID: 38708729 PMCID: PMC11079390 DOI: 10.4102/phcfm.v16i1.4288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer is the third leading cause of death in Kenya. Yet, little is known about prognostic awareness and preferences for prognostic information. AIM To assess the prevalence of prognostic awareness and preference for prognostic information among advanced cancer patients in Kenya. SETTING Outpatient medical oncology and palliative care clinics and inpatient medical and surgical wards of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret, Kenya. METHODS The authors surveyed 207 adults with advanced solid cancers. The survey comprised validated measures developed for a multi-site study of end-of-life care in advanced cancer patients. Outcome variables included prognostic awareness and preference for prognostic information. RESULTS More than one-third of participants (36%) were unaware of their prognosis and most (67%) preferred not to receive prognostic information. Increased age (OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.07) and education level (OR: 1.18, CI: 1.08, 1.30) were associated with a higher likelihood of preference to receive prognostic information, while increased symptom burden (OR= 0.94, CI: 0.90, 0.99) and higher perceived household income levels (lower-middle vs low: OR= 0.19; CI: 0.09, 0.44; and upper middle- or high vs low: OR= 0.22, CI: 0.09, 0.56) were associated with lower odds of preferring prognostic information. CONCLUSION Results reveal low levels of prognostic awareness and little interest in receiving prognostic information among advanced cancer patients in Kenya.Contribution: Given the important role of prognostic awareness in providing patient-centred care, efforts to educate patients in Kenya on the value of this information should be a priority, especially among younger patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hussein Elias
- Department of Family Medicine, Moi University School of Medicine, Eldoret, Kenya; and Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret.
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Namisango E, Luyirika EBK, Matovu L, Berger A. The Meaning of Healing to Adult Patients with Advanced Cancer. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1474. [PMID: 36674226 PMCID: PMC9861899 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20021474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to explore the meaning of healing from the perspective of adult patients with advanced cancer. METHODS We conducted a secondary analysis of data from a primary study which used a cognitive interview approach to assess the face and content validity of a spiritual and psychological healing measure (NIH-HEALS). This analysis focused on responses to the question, "What does the term 'healing' mean to you?" Data were de-identified, transcribed verbatim, and imported in NVivo for thematic analysis in line with interpretive phenomenological methods. RESULTS Thirty-five adults with advanced cancer participated in the study. We identified nine major themes: acceptance, surrender, faith, hope, peace, freedom from suffering (e.g., pain, problems, or other bothersome factors), overcoming/transcending disease, positive emotions (e.g., happiness), recovery from illness or disease. One participant discussed healing as synonymous with death, and two associated it with social relations and social support. CONCLUSION Themes from patients' responses suggest subjective and varied definitions of healing which encompass physical, social, spiritual, and psychological domains of well-being, distinct from the physical cure of disease. Clinicians should adopt a holistic, person-centered approach to care, attending to bodily, psychosocial, spiritual, and emotional needs to help patients find meaning in their experiences, nourish resilience, and experience a sense of healing-as they define it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eve Namisango
- African Palliative Care Association, Kampala P.O. Box 72518, Uganda
- Department of Palliative Care and Rehabilitation, Cicely Saunders Institute King’s College London, London SE5 9RS, UK
| | | | - Lawrence Matovu
- Formerly-Department of Clinical Services, Hospice Africa Uganda, Kampala P.O. Box 7757, Uganda
| | - Ann Berger
- National Institutes of Health, Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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3
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Fereidouni A, Salesi M, Rassouli M, Hosseinzadegan F, Javid M, Karami M, Elahikhah M, Barasteh S. Preferred place of death and end-of-life care for adult cancer patients in Iran: A cross-sectional study. Front Oncol 2022; 12:911397. [PMID: 35992820 PMCID: PMC9382894 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.911397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background More than 50,000 deaths in terms of cancer occur annually in Iranian hospitals. Determining the preferred place of end-of-life care and death for cancer patients in Iran is a quality marker for good end-of-life care and good death. The purpose of this study was to determine the preferred place of end-of-life care and death in cancer patients. Method In 2021, the current descriptive cross-sectional investigation was carried out. Using the convenience sample approach, patients were chosen from three Tehran referral hospitals (the capital of Iran). A researcher-made questionnaire with three parts for demographic data, clinical features, and two questions on the choice of the desired location for end-of-life care and the death of cancer patients served as the data collecting instrument. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 18. The relationship between the two variables preferred place for end-of-life care and death and other variables was investigated using chi-square, Fisher exact test, and multiple logistic regression. Result The mean age of patients participating in the study was 50.21 ± 13.91. Three hundred ninety (69.6%) of the patients chose home, and 170 (30.4%) patients chose the hospital as the preferred place of end-of-life care. Choosing the home as a preferred place for end-of-life care had a significant relationship with type of care (OR = .613 [95% CI: 0.383–0.982], P = .042), level of education (OR = 2.61 [95% CI: 1.29–5.24], P = 0.007), type of cancer (OR = 1.70 [1.01–2.89], P = .049), and income level (Mediate: (OR: 3.27 (1.49, 7.14), P = .003) and Low: (OR: 3.38 (1.52–7.52), P = .003). Also, 415 (75.2%) patients chose home and 137 (24.8%) patients chose hospital as their preferred place of death. Choosing the home as a preferred place of death had a significant relationship with marriage (OR = 1.62 [95% CI: 1.02–2.57], P = .039) and time to diagnostic disease less than 6 months (OR = 1.62 [95% CI: 0.265–0.765], P = .002). Conclusion The findings of the current research indicate that the majority of cancer patients selected their homes as the preferred location for end-of-life care and final disposition. Researchers advise paying more attention to patients’ wishes near the end of life in light of the findings of the current study. This will be achieved by strengthening the home care system using creating appropriate infrastructure, insurance coverage, designing executive instructions, and integration of palliative care in home care services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armin Fereidouni
- Quran and Hadith Research Center, Marine Medicine Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Operating Room Technology, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mahmood Salesi
- Chemical Injuries Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Rassouli
- Cancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Javid
- Students Research Committee, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Karami
- School of Nursing & Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Elahikhah
- Students Research Committee, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Salman Barasteh
- Health Management Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Nursing Faculty, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- *Correspondence: Salman Barasteh,
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Rosa WE, Parekh de Campos A, Abedini NC, Gray TF, Huijer HAS, Bhadelia A, Boit JM, Byiringiro S, Crisp N, Dahlin C, Davidson PM, Davis S, De Lima L, Farmer PE, Ferrell BR, Hategekimana V, Karanja V, Knaul FM, Kpoeh JDN, Lusaka J, Matula ST, McMahon C, Meghani SH, Moreland PJ, Ntizimira C, Radbruch L, Rajagopal MR, Downing J. Optimizing the Global Nursing Workforce to Ensure Universal Palliative Care Access and Alleviate Serious Health-Related Suffering Worldwide. J Pain Symptom Manage 2022; 63:e224-e236. [PMID: 34332044 PMCID: PMC8799766 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Palliative care access is fundamental to the highest attainable standard of health and a core component of universal health coverage. Forging universal palliative care access is insurmountable without strategically optimizing the nursing workforce and integrating palliative nursing into health systems at all levels. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored both the critical need for accessible palliative care to alleviate serious health-related suffering and the key role of nurses to achieve this goal. OBJECTIVES 1) Summarize palliative nursing contributions to the expansion of palliative care access; 2) identify emerging nursing roles in alignment with global palliative care recommendations and policy agendas; 3) promote nursing leadership development to enhance universal access to palliative care services. METHODS Empirical and policy literature review; best practice models; recommendations to optimize the palliative nursing workforce. RESULTS Nurses working across settings provide a considerable untapped resource that can be leveraged to advance palliative care access and palliative care program development. Best practice models demonstrate promising approaches and outcomes related to education and training, policy and advocacy, and academic-practice partnerships. CONCLUSION An estimated 28 million nurses account for 59% of the international healthcare workforce and deliver up to 90% of primary health services. It has been well-documented that nurses are often the first or only healthcare provider available in many parts of the world. Strategic investments in international and interdisciplinary collaboration, as well as policy changes and the safe expansion of high-quality nursing care, can optimize the efforts of the global nursing workforce to mitigate serious health-related suffering.
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Affiliation(s)
- William E Rosa
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (W.E.R.), Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA.
| | - Amisha Parekh de Campos
- University of Connecticut School of Nursing (A.P.D.C.), Storrs & Hospice Program, Middlesex Health, Connecticut, USA
| | - Nauzley C Abedini
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine (N.C.A.), Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Tamryn F Gray
- Harvard Medical School (T.F.G.), Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Phyllis F. Cantor Center for Research in Nursing and Patient Care Services, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Afsan Bhadelia
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (A.B.), Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Samuel Byiringiro
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing (S.B.), Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Nigel Crisp
- All-Party Parliamentary Group on Global Health (N.C.), House of Lords, Nursing Now Global Campaign, London, UK
| | | | - Patricia M Davidson
- The Vice-Chancellor's Unit (P.M.D.), University of Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sheila Davis
- Partners In Health (S.D., C.M.), Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Liliana De Lima
- International Association for Hospice & Palliative Care (L.D.L.), Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Paul E Farmer
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine (P.E.F.), Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Betty R Ferrell
- Division of Nursing Research and Education (B.R.F.), Department of Population Sciences, City of Hope Medical Center, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Vedaste Hategekimana
- Pain Free Hospital Initiative (V.H.), Rwanda Biomedical Center and Ministry of Health, Butaro, Rwanda
| | - Viola Karanja
- Partners In Health Liberia (V.K., J.D.N.K, J.L.), Harper, Maryland County, Liberia
| | - Felicia Marie Knaul
- University of Miami Institute for Advanced Study of the Americas (F.M.K.), Coral Gables, Florida, USA
| | - Julius D N Kpoeh
- Partners In Health Liberia (V.K., J.D.N.K, J.L.), Harper, Maryland County, Liberia
| | - Joseph Lusaka
- Partners In Health Liberia (V.K., J.D.N.K, J.L.), Harper, Maryland County, Liberia
| | - Samuel T Matula
- University of Botswana School of Nursing (S.T.M.), Gabarone, Botswana
| | - Cory McMahon
- Partners In Health (S.D., C.M.), Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Salimah H Meghani
- University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing (S.H.M.), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Patricia J Moreland
- Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing (P.J.M.), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Lukas Radbruch
- Department of Palliative Medicine (L.R.), University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - M R Rajagopal
- Trivandrum Institute of Palliative Sciences (M.R.R.), Trivandrum, Kerala, India
| | - Julia Downing
- International Children's Palliative Care Network (J.D.), Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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Bjørk E, Thompson W, Ryg J, Gaardboe O, Jørgensen TL, Lundby C. Patient Preferences for Discussing Life Expectancy: a Systematic Review. J Gen Intern Med 2021; 36:3136-3147. [PMID: 34338978 PMCID: PMC8481511 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-021-06973-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Discussing life expectancy helps inform decisions related to preventive medication, screening, and personal care planning. Our aim was to systematically review the literature on patient preferences for discussing life expectancy and to identify predictors for these preferences. METHODS We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, MEDLINE, PsycInfo, and gray literature from inception until 17 February 2021. Two authors screened titles/abstracts and full texts, and extracted data and one author assessed quality. The outcome of interest was the proportion of patients willing to discuss life expectancy. We reported descriptive statistics, performed a narrative synthesis, and explored sub-groups of patients according to patient characteristics. RESULTS A total of 41 studies with an accumulated population of 27,570 participants were included, comprising quantitative survey/questionnaire studies (n=27) and qualitative interview studies (n=14). Willingness to discuss life expectancy ranged from 19 to 100% (median 61%, interquartile range (IQR) 50-73) across studies, with the majority (77%) reporting more than half of subjects willing to discuss. There was considerable heterogeneity in willingness to discuss life expectancy, even between studies from patients with similar ages, diseases, and cultural profiles. The highest variability in willingness to discuss was found among patients with cancer (range 19-100%, median 61%, IQR 51-81) and patients aged 50-64 years (range 19-97%, median 61%, IQR 45-87). This made it impossible to determine predictors for willingness to discuss life expectancy. DISCUSSION Most patients are willing to discuss life expectancy; however, a substantial proportion is not. Heterogeneity and variability in preferences make it challenging to identify clear predictors of willingness to discuss. Variability in preferences may to some extent be influenced by age, disease, and cultural differences. These findings highlight the individual and complex nature in which patients approach this topic and stress the importance of clinicians considering eliciting patient's individual preferences when initiating discussions about life expectancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Bjørk
- Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Environmental Medicine, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense C, Denmark.
| | - Wade Thompson
- Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense C, Denmark
- Hospital Pharmacy Funen, Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Denmark
- Odense Deprescribing Initiative (ODIN), Odense C, Denmark
| | - Jesper Ryg
- Odense Deprescribing Initiative (ODIN), Odense C, Denmark
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Denmark
- Geriatric Research Unit, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense C, Denmark
- Academy of Geriatric Cancer Research (AgeCare), Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Ove Gaardboe
- Danish Society for Patient Safety, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Trine Lembrecht Jørgensen
- Academy of Geriatric Cancer Research (AgeCare), Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Denmark
- Department of Oncology, Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Denmark
- Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Carina Lundby
- Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Environmental Medicine, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense C, Denmark
- Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense C, Denmark
- Hospital Pharmacy Funen, Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Denmark
- Odense Deprescribing Initiative (ODIN), Odense C, Denmark
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Cheng Q, Duan Y, Zheng H, Xu X, Khan K, Xie J, Chen Y. Knowledge, attitudes and preferences of palliative and end-of-life care among patients with cancer in mainland China: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e051735. [PMID: 34588259 PMCID: PMC8479948 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-051735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate the knowledge and attitudes of patients with cancer of palliative care and their preferences regarding end-of-life care in mainland China. DESIGN A cross-sectional study. SETTING This study was conducted in a tertiary cancer hospital. PARTICIPANTS Two hundred forty-seven patients with cancer were recruited and consented to fill out the questionnaires. OUTCOME MEASURES The participants' knowledge and attitudes of palliative care and their preferences of end-of-life care involving place of care, place of death, truth disclosure and treatments during end-of-life were measured. RESULTS In total, 239 questionnaires were valid. The vast majority of patients with cancer (81.2%) had never heard about palliative care or related policies, and only a few of them (5.8%) had somewhat or totally understanding of palliative care. Most participants (75.3%) had supportive attitudes towards palliative care. In terms of preferences for end-of-life care, most patients with cancer preferred to be cared for at home at the end of their life and to die at home. The majority of patients with cancer (65.7%) wanted to know their diagnosis or prognosis of the disease, regardless of the type of disease. More than half of the participants (54%) wished to improve their quality of life rather than prolong their life expectancy. More than a third of the patients with cancer preferred to entrust a family member or agent to sign medical decision agreements for them. CONCLUSIONS It is essential for healthcare providers to improve the understanding of patients with cancer of palliative care and be aware of the end-of-life care preferences of patients with cancer, in order to provide support that enables patients with cancer to receive end-of-life care that is accordant with their wishes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinqin Cheng
- Pain Management Department, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yinglong Duan
- Emergency Department, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hongling Zheng
- Xiang Ya Nursing School of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xianghua Xu
- Health Management Center, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Khalid Khan
- Xiang Ya Nursing School of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jianfei Xie
- Nursing Department, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yongyi Chen
- Admin Office, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Fereidouni A, Rassouli M, Salesi M, Ashrafizadeh H, Vahedian-Azimi A, Barasteh S. Preferred Place of Death in Adult Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Psychol 2021; 12:704590. [PMID: 34512460 PMCID: PMC8429937 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.704590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Identifying the preferred place of death is a key indicator of the quality of death in cancer patients and one of the most important issues for health service policymakers. This study was done to determine the preferred place of death and the factors affecting it for adult patients with cancer. Methods: In this systematic review and meta-analysis study four online databases (PubMed, Scopus, web of science, ProQuest) were searched by relevant keywords. Quality assessment of papers was conducted using Newcastle-Ottawa (NOS) criterion. Odds ratios, relative risks, and 95% confidence intervals were determined for each of the factors extracted from the investigations. Results: A total of 14,920 participants of 27 studies were included into the meta-analysis. Based on the results, 55% of cancer patients with a confidence interval [95% CI (41–49)] preferred home, 17% of patients with a confidence interval [95% CI (−12%) 23)] preferred hospital and 10% of patients with confidence interval [95% CI (13–18)] preferred hospices as their favored place to die. Effective factors were also reported in the form of demographic characteristics, disease-related factors and psychosocial factors. Conclusions: This study showed that more than half of cancer patients chose home as their preferred place of death. Therefore, guided policies need to ensure that the death of the patients in the preferred place should be considered with priority. Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42020218680, identifier: CRD42020218680.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armin Fereidouni
- Medicine, Quran and Hadith Research Center, Marine Medicine Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Rassouli
- Cancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmood Salesi
- Chemical Injuries Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hadis Ashrafizadeh
- Student Research Committee, Nursing and Midwifery School, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Amir Vahedian-Azimi
- Trauma Research Center, Nursing Faculty, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Salman Barasteh
- Health Management Research Center, Nursing Faculty, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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8
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Afolabi OA, Nkhoma K, Maddocks M, Harding R. What constitutes a palliative care need in people with serious illnesses across Africa? A mixed-methods systematic review of the concept and evidence. Palliat Med 2021; 35:1052-1070. [PMID: 33860715 PMCID: PMC8371282 DOI: 10.1177/02692163211008784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clarity on what constitutes a palliative care need is essential to ensure that health systems and clinical services deliver an appropriate response within Universal Health Coverage. AIM To synthesise primary evidence from Africa for palliative care needs among patients and families with serious illness. DESIGN We conducted a mixed methods systematic review with sequential synthesis design. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42019136606) and included studies were quality assessed using Mixed Method Appraisal Tool. DATA SOURCES Six global literature databases and Three Africa-specific databases were searched up to October 2020 for terms related to palliative care, serious illnesses and Africa. Palliative care need was defined as multidimensional problems, symptoms, distress and concerns which can benefit from palliative care. RESULTS Of 7810 papers screened, 159 papers met eligibility criteria. Palliative care needs were mostly described amongst patients with HIV/AIDS (n = 99 studies) or cancer (n = 59), from East (n = 72) and Southern (n = 89) Africa. Context-specific palliative care needs included managing pregnancy and breastfeeding, preventing infection transmission (physical); health literacy needs, worry about medical bills (psychological); isolation and stigma, overwhelmed families needing a break, struggling to pay children's school fees and selling assets (social and practical needs); and rites associated with cultural and religious beliefs (spiritual). CONCLUSIONS Palliative care assessment and care must reflect the context-driven specific needs of patients and families in Africa, in line with the novel framework. Health literacy is a crucial need in this context that must be met to ensure that the benefits of palliative care can be achieved at the patient-level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oladayo A Afolabi
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London, London, UK.,Department of Nursing Science, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria
| | - Kennedy Nkhoma
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Matthew Maddocks
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London, London, UK
| | - 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
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9
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Lambert M, Mendenhall E, Kim AW, Cubasch H, Joffe M, Norris SA. Health system experiences of breast cancer survivors in urban South Africa. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 16:1745506520949419. [PMID: 32842917 PMCID: PMC7453471 DOI: 10.1177/1745506520949419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer is the most common cancer globally and among South African women. Women from socioeconomically disadvantaged South African communities more often present later and receive total mastectomy compared to those from more affluent communities who have more breast conserving surgery (which is less invasive but requires mandatory radiation treatment post-operatively). Standard chemotherapy and total mastectomy treatments are known to cause traumatizing side effects and emotional suffering among South African women; moreover, many women face limited communication with physicians and psychological support. OBJECTIVE This article investigates the experiences of women seeking breast cancer treatment at the largest public hospital in South Africa. METHODS We interviewed 50 Black women enrolled in the South African Breast Cancer Study to learn more about their health system experiences with detection, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care for breast cancer. Each interview was between 2-3 hours, addressing perceptions, experiences, and concerns associated with breast cancer and comorbidities such as HIV and hypertension. RESULTS We found most women feared diagnosis, in part, because of the experience of chemotherapy and physical mutilation related to mastectomy. The importance of social support from family, religion, and clinical staff was fundamental for women coping with their condition and adhering to treatment and medication. CONCLUSIONS These findings exemplify how interventions might promote early detection of breast cancer and better adherence to treatment. Addressing community perceptions of breast cancer, patient needs and desires for treatment, structural barriers to intensive therapies, and the burden of invasive treatments are imperative next steps for delivering better breast cancer care in Soweto and other resource-constrained settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Lambert
- Walsh School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Emily Mendenhall
- Walsh School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA.,SAMRC Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Andrew Wooyoung Kim
- SAMRC Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Herbert Cubasch
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Division, Wits Health Consortium (Pty) Ltd, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Maureen Joffe
- SAMRC Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Noncommunicable Diseases Research Division, Wits Health Consortium (Pty) Ltd, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Shane A Norris
- SAMRC Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Noncommunicable Diseases Research Division, Wits Health Consortium (Pty) Ltd, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Knowledge, attitude and self-efficacy towards palliative care among nurses in Mongolia: A cross-sectional descriptive study. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0236390. [PMID: 32702007 PMCID: PMC7377484 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0236390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Nurses have a primary role in providing palliative and end-of-life (EOL) care. Their knowledge of EOL care, attitudes toward care of the dying, and palliative care self-efficacy are important in care delivery. Little is known regarding palliative care preparedness among Mongolian nurses. This study examines palliative care knowledge, attitude towards death and dying, and self-efficacy among Mongolian nurses, and examines predictors of self-efficacy. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted. Participants were 141 nurses employed at the National Cancer Center in Mongolia. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Results The median score for the knowledge of palliative care was 8.0/20. “Psychosocial and spiritual care” was the lowest score on the palliative care knowledge subscale. The mean score for attitude toward care of the dying was 69.1%, indicating positive attitudes. The mean score for the palliative care self-efficacy was 33.8/48. Nurses reported low self-efficacy toward communicating with dying patients and their families, and managing delirium. Palliative care knowledge and duration of experience as an oncology nurse significantly predicted self-efficacy toward palliative care, accounting for 14.0% of the variance. Conclusions Palliative education for nurses should address the knowledge gaps in EOL care and focus in increasing palliative care self-efficacy. Considering palliative care knowledge and nursing experience as an oncology nurse were significant predictors of self-efficacy toward palliative care, more effort is needed to fill the knowledge gaps in EOL care among nurses, especially for less experienced nurses.
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Terminally-ill patients' prognosis information preferences in an African setting: A qualitative descriptive study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AFRICA NURSING SCIENCES 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijans.2020.100220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Blanchard CL, Ayeni O, O'Neil DS, Prigerson HG, Jacobson JS, Neugut AI, Joffe M, Mmoledi K, Ratshikana-Moloko M, Sackstein PE, Ruff P. A Prospective Cohort Study of Factors Associated With Place of Death Among Patients With Late-Stage Cancer in Southern Africa. J Pain Symptom Manage 2019; 57:923-932. [PMID: 30708125 PMCID: PMC6531674 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2019.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Identifying factors that affect terminally ill patients' preferences for and actual place of death may assist patients to die wherever they wish. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to investigate factors associated with preferred and actual place of death for cancer patients in Johannesburg, South Africa. METHODS In a prospective cohort study at a tertiary hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa, adult patients with advanced cancer and their caregivers were enrolled from 2016 to 2018. Study nurses interviewed the patients at enrollment and conducted postmortem interviews with the caregivers. RESULTS Of 324 patients enrolled, 191 died during follow-up. Preferred place of death was home for 127 (66.4%) and a facility for 64 (33.5%) patients; 91 (47.6%) patients died in their preferred setting, with a kappa value of congruence of 0.016 (95% CI = -0.107, 0.139). Factors associated with congruence were increasing age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.00-1.05), use of morphine (OR: 1.87, 95% CI: 1.04-3.36), and wanting to die at home (OR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.24-0.82). Dying at home was associated with increasing age (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.00-1.05) and with the patient wishing to have family and/or friends present at death (OR 6.73, 95% CI 2.97-15.30). CONCLUSION Most patients preferred to die at home, but most died in hospital and fewer than half died in their preferred setting. Further research on modifiable factors, such as effective communication, access to palliative care and morphine, may ensure that more cancer patients in South Africa die wherever they wish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charmaine L Blanchard
- Centre for Palliative Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Non Communicable Diseases Research Division, Wits Health Consortium, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Oluwatosin Ayeni
- MRC Developmental Pathways to Health Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Non Communicable Diseases Research Division, Wits Health Consortium, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Daniel S O'Neil
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA; Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Holly G Prigerson
- Cornell Center for Research on End-of-Life Care, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Judith S Jacobson
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Alfred I Neugut
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA; Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Maureen Joffe
- MRC Developmental Pathways to Health Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Non Communicable Diseases Research Division, Wits Health Consortium, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Keletso Mmoledi
- Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa; Centre for Palliative Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Non Communicable Diseases Research Division, Wits Health Consortium, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Mpho Ratshikana-Moloko
- Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa; Centre for Palliative Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Non Communicable Diseases Research Division, Wits Health Consortium, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Paul E Sackstein
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Paul Ruff
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand Faculty of Health Sciences, Johannesburg, South Africa; Non Communicable Diseases Research Division, Wits Health Consortium, Johannesburg, South Africa
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