Hiroko Ishimoto1, Tokunori Ikeda2,3, Yasuhiro Kadooka4. 1. Department of Bioethics, Kumamoto University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1-1-1 Honjyo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan. hirokoishimoto@outlook.com. 2. Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Sojo University Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 4-22-1 Ikeda, Nishi-ku, Kumamoto, 860-0082, Japan. 3. Department of Medical Information Sciences and Administration Planning, Kumamoto University Hospital, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan. 4. Department of Bioethics, Kumamoto University Faculty of Life Sciences, 1-1-1 Honjyo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Cancer patients in university hospitals often face a difficult decision regarding transfer to other care settings at the end-of-life. Arrangements for a satisfying transfer are important for reducing the psychosocial impact of the transition, but few studies have evaluated this aspect. This study aimed to identify factors related to the satisfying arrangement of transfers to other care settings from university hospitals. METHODS: A total of 400 bereaved family members of cancer patients in Japan participated in this cross-sectional web-based questionnaire survey. Statistical methods including decision tree analysis were conducted to identify factors significantly associated with satisfying transfer arrangements. RESULTS: More than 60% of cancer patients were satisfied with the transfer arrangements made by university hospitals. Decision tree analysis revealed that the factor most significantly associated with satisfaction with transfer arrangements was "satisfaction with contents of the explanation about transfer." The following significant factors were also extracted: "timing of being informed of transfer," "presence of primary care physician," and "presence of trustworthy staff." "Satisfaction with overall care from university hospital staff" and "involvement of palliative care team" were identified as factors contributing to a high degree of satisfaction with transfer arrangements. CONCLUSION: In order to make satisfying transfer arrangements from university hospitals for cancer patients at the end-of-life, healthcare professionals should provide satisfactory explanations about the transfer process in order to meet the information needs of patients. To be effective, healthcare professionals should initiate transfer arrangements prior to cancer treatment, while simultaneously building trusting relationships with patients.
PURPOSE:Cancerpatients in university hospitals often face a difficult decision regarding transfer to other care settings at the end-of-life. Arrangements for a satisfying transfer are important for reducing the psychosocial impact of the transition, but few studies have evaluated this aspect. This study aimed to identify factors related to the satisfying arrangement of transfers to other care settings from university hospitals. METHODS: A total of 400 bereaved family members of cancerpatients in Japan participated in this cross-sectional web-based questionnaire survey. Statistical methods including decision tree analysis were conducted to identify factors significantly associated with satisfying transfer arrangements. RESULTS: More than 60% of cancerpatients were satisfied with the transfer arrangements made by university hospitals. Decision tree analysis revealed that the factor most significantly associated with satisfaction with transfer arrangements was "satisfaction with contents of the explanation about transfer." The following significant factors were also extracted: "timing of being informed of transfer," "presence of primary care physician," and "presence of trustworthy staff." "Satisfaction with overall care from university hospital staff" and "involvement of palliative care team" were identified as factors contributing to a high degree of satisfaction with transfer arrangements. CONCLUSION: In order to make satisfying transfer arrangements from university hospitals for cancerpatients at the end-of-life, healthcare professionals should provide satisfactory explanations about the transfer process in order to meet the information needs of patients. To be effective, healthcare professionals should initiate transfer arrangements prior to cancer treatment, while simultaneously building trusting relationships with patients.
Entities:
Keywords:
Cancer patient; End-of-life; Transfer arrangement; University hospital
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