Factors associated with lower quality of life among patients receiving palliative care

Chui, Ying Yu; Kuan, Hau Yee; Fu, Idy C. Y.; Liu, Rico K. Y.; Sham, Mau Kwong; Lau, Kam Shing

doi:10.1111/j.1365-2648.2009.05051.x

Cited by 22 publications

(24 citation statements)

References 53 publications

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“…Studies that include larger number of patients only tend to describe patients at the start of the palliative phase Jocham et al [2,5]. The period in which palliative care is provided to a patient however can last from a few months up to as much as 2 years Voogt et al [14].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Swallowing Problems at the End of the Palliative Phase: Incidence and Severity in 164 Unsedated Patients

et al. 2014

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Swallowing problems are reported to be a common finding in patients who receive palliative care. In existing literature, the incidence of swallowing problems is mostly described in small numbers of patients at the start of the palliative phase. As we hypothesized that the incidence of dysphagia might increase as the palliative phase progresses, this study describes the incidence of swallowing problems and related problems in 164 unsedated patients at the end of the palliative phase, defined by the last 72 h before their death. To determine the incidence of swallowing problems and related problems, questionnaires were completed bereaved by relatives and nursing staff. Our data shows that in the palliative phase the incidence of swallowing problems can be as high as 79 %. A significant correlation was found between swallowing problems and reduced psycho-social quality of life as assessed by nursing staff (ρ = -.284). Overall the nursing staff rated the incidence and severity of swallowing problems (and related problems like frequent coughing, loss of appetite, and problems with oral secretions) lower than the relatives. This study suggests that incidence of swallowing problems at the end of the palliative phase is high and that these difficulties may not only result in discomfort for patients, but also can raise concern for caregivers. More information and education on management of swallowing problems in palliative settings might be needed for both relatives and nursing staff. However, the data also suggest that any intervention should be proportional to the level of distress caused by the intervention.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Swallowing Problems at the End of the Palliative Phase: Incidence and Severity in 164 Unsedated Patients

et al. 2014

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“…3,4,13,15 To date, the literature concerning PCPs and PA shows promise, with beneficial improvements in QOL for adult PCPs. 3,5,[9][10][11]17,19,21,22 Although still in its infancy, researchers have found that adult PCPs who participate in a PA program gain feelings of increased energy, autonomy, and independence, and that PA can provide PCPs with situations where they can set goals and experience an environment of normalcy during a very challenging time.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 98%

“…4,9,10,15,17 In the not-too-distant past, patients with incurable malignancies were often discouraged from participating in PA. It was thought that these individuals needed to conserve their physical power; thus inactivity and rest were suggested as the most appropriate treatments.…”

Section: Palliative Care and Physical Activitymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…11 While the successes are to be celebrated, this means that those bearing a palliative diagnosis will live longer with the burden of their cancer and its progressive functional deterioration. 4,16 Current palliative care models for AYAs with cancer involve managing symptoms and offering the appropriate transitional support between health and death. 13,16 This commentary highlights the potential benefits of PA and outlines the rationale for PA's inclusion in the supportive care plan to reduce further the physical and psychosocial burdens associated with a palliative cancer diagnosis in the AYA-aged patient.…”

Section: Implications Of a Palliative Cancer Diagnosismentioning

confidence: 99%

“…14 The main goal of palliative care is to maximize the QOL of the PCP by managing their cancer-related symptoms and minimizing physical and emotional distress. 3,4,13,15 Due to medical and technological advancements, the survival times of PCPs have been increasing. 11 While the successes are to be celebrated, this means that those bearing a palliative diagnosis will live longer with the burden of their cancer and its progressive functional deterioration.…”

Section: Implications Of a Palliative Cancer Diagnosismentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Exploring the Role of Physical Activity During Palliative Care for Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Patients

Woodside

Keats

2013

Journal of Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology

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Quality of life of cancer patients at palliative care units in developing countries: systematic review of the published literature

et al. 2020

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Purpose This systematic review aims to summarize factors that influence the quality of life (QOL) of advanced cancer patients in palliative care (PC) in developing countries. Understanding this context in developing countries milieu is necessary; however, this outcome is rarely reported. Methods Following the PRISMA guidelines, the electronic databases MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science were systematically searched using the search terms: QOL, cancer, PC, and names of all developing countries. Studies with less than ten subjects, qualitative or pilot studies, reviews, conference abstracts, and that reported validation of QOL questionnaires were excluded. Results Fifty-five studies from 15 developing countries in the African (n = 5), Latin America and the Caribbean (n = 10), and Asian (n = 40) region were included in the narrative synthesis. 65.4% were cross-sectional, 27.3% were cohort studies, 7.3% were RCTs or quasi-experimental studies. Around 30 QOL factors were studied with 20 different types of QOL instruments. Advanced cancer patients who were older, married/ever married, participated in additional care within PC, used complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), and practiced spirituality/religiosity showed higher QOL score. Low educational level and high depression were associated with a lower QOL. Conclusion Various factors affect QOL among cancer patients in PC. Patients valued the use of CAMs; however, the quality and safety aspects should be properly addressed. Important factors that influenced the QOL score were social and spiritual support. While there is a general need to develop PC strategies further, recognizing patients’ needs should be prioritized in national cancer programs.

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Factors associated with lower quality of life among patients receiving palliative care

Abstract: More could be done in symptom and psychosocial management to improve patients' QoL, in particular for those who are younger, male or single, or who have lower physical functioning.

Cited by 22 publications

References 53 publications

Swallowing Problems at the End of the Palliative Phase: Incidence and Severity in 164 Unsedated Patients

Swallowing Problems at the End of the Palliative Phase: Incidence and Severity in 164 Unsedated Patients

Exploring the Role of Physical Activity During Palliative Care for Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Patients

Quality of life of cancer patients at palliative care units in developing countries: systematic review of the published literature

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