Objective: Paying attention to the socio-cultural characteristics of advanced cancer patients as they pass through the final stages of life can help healthcare professionals and mental health professionals assess the end-of-life experiences of terminally ill patients better. A comprehensive study of this population in the Indian context is helpful to devise individualized end-of-life care that aligns with their preferences and focuses on their comfort. Method: The dataset comprised information-rich cases of 10 advanced cancer patients from Bangalore, India, selected using the purposive sampling method. The semi-structured interviews with the participants were audio-recorded, transcribed, and translated. Identification of patterns and commonalities in the dataset helped generate codes. The codes were used to narrow down to overarching themes. Results: The standout themes were outlook on life, unfulfilled goals, end-of-life expectations, and death anxieties and attitudes to impending death. Significance of Results: The study highlights the psychosocial and cultural needs of the patients in end-of-life care. How advanced cancer patients long for psychological care from mental health professionals and empathy from their loved ones. This study argues for renewed attention on the socio-cultural characteristics of terminally ill patients to enhance individualized care through culturally-competent interventions.
Objective: Paying attention to the socio-cultural characteristics of advanced cancer patients as they pass through the final stages of life can help healthcare professionals and mental health professionals assess the end-of-life experiences of terminally ill patients better. A comprehensive study of this population in the Indian context is helpful to devise individualized end-of-life care that aligns with their preferences and focuses on their comfort. Method: The dataset comprised information-rich cases of 10 advanced cancer patients from Bangalore, India, selected using the purposive sampling method. The semi-structured interviews with the participants were audio-recorded, transcribed, and translated. Identification of patterns and commonalities in the dataset helped generate codes. The codes were used to narrow down to overarching themes. Results: The standout themes were outlook on life, unfulfilled goals, end-of-life expectations, and death anxieties and attitudes to impending death. Significance of Results: The study highlights the psychosocial and cultural needs of the patients in end-of-life care. How advanced cancer patients long for psychological care from mental health professionals and empathy from their loved ones. This study argues for renewed attention on the socio-cultural characteristics of terminally ill patients to enhance individualized care through culturally-competent interventions.
Entities:
Keywords:
Better Care; Dying and Death; End of Life; India; Terminal Ill Cancer Patients
Authors: Keith G Wilson; Harvey Max Chochinov; Merika Graham Skirko; Pierre Allard; Srini Chary; Pierre R Gagnon; Karen Macmillan; Marina De Luca; Fiona O'Shea; David Kuhl; Robin L Fainsinger; Jennifer J Clinch Journal: J Pain Symptom Manage Date: 2007-02 Impact factor: 3.612