A Qualitative Analysis of Patient and Family Perspectives of Palliative Care

Abstract

At end of life or during times of serious illness, patients and families identified behaviors of Presence, Reassurance, and Honoring Choices as important. According to patients/families, health care providers must be compassionate and empathetic and possess skills in listening, connecting, and interacting with patients and families.

Analysis of common barriers to rural patients utilizing hospice and palliative care services

“…Distance and web‐based courses for professionals who are unable to travel or attend weekend workshops can provide professional education, support, and networking. Agencies offering to pay for all or part of the classes will help alleviate some of the financial burdens for quality continuing education courses (Ciemins et al., ; Fink et al., ; Rosenberg & Canning, ). Access to electronic libraries can help professionals keep up‐to‐date with HC and PC (Rosenberg & Canning, ).…”

“…HC and PC are support systems for patients and their families. These services enable patients with a life‐limiting illness to live as “normally” as possible until death and then continue to support families during their bereavement (Ciemins, Brant, Kersten, Mullette, & Dickerson, ). More than just compassionate care is provided; it is care for the body, mind, and spirit.…”

Perceptions of palliative care among patients with advanced cancer and their caregivers

“…8,9 Although some studies have reported on attitudes of oncologists and other physicians toward palliative care and its name, 6,8,[10][11][12] there has been scant research on the perspectives of patients and caregivers. Previous surveys of patients and/or caregivers have solicited opinions about either the quality of palliative care received 13,14 or about the acceptability of the name "palliative care" versus "supportive care" for those who might be referred. 9,15 With the exception of a study that validated a measurement tool to assess perceptions of palliative care, 16 a detailed exploration of how patients…”

Safety and Effectiveness of Palliative Drug Treatment in the Last Days of Life—A Systematic Literature Review

“…46,47 In absence of evidence and with uncertainty regarding the need for its treatment, reassuring communication with next-of-kin may be preferable. 44,48,49…”