scholarly journals Eating-related distress and need for nutritional support of families of advanced cancer patients: a nationwide survey of bereaved family members

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 527-534 ◽  
Author(s):  
Koji Amano ◽  
Isseki Maeda ◽  
Tatsuya Morita ◽  
Yoshiro Okajima ◽  
Takashi Hama ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Advanced Cancer ◽  
Nutritional Support ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Nationwide Survey ◽  
Advanced Cancer Patients ◽  
Bereaved Family

Care for Imminently Dying Cancer Patients: Family Members' Experiences and Recommendations

2010 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 142-148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takuya Shinjo ◽  
Tatsuya Morita ◽  
Kei Hirai ◽  
Mitsunori Miyashita ◽  
Kazuki Sato ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Emotional Distress ◽  
Medical Staff ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Nationwide Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Dying Patients ◽  
The Family ◽  
High Level ◽  
Bereaved Family

Purpose The aim of this study was to clarify the level of emotional distress experienced by bereaved family members and the perceived necessity for improvement in the care for imminently dying patients and to explore possible causes of distress and alleviating measures. Methods A cross-sectional nationwide survey was performed in 2007 of bereaved families of cancer patients at 95 palliative care units across Japan. Results Questionnaires were sent to 670 families, and 76% responded. Families reported their experiences as very distressing in 45% of cases. Regarding care, 1.2% of respondents believed that a lot of improvement was needed, compared with 58% who believed no improvement was needed. Determinants of high-level distress were a younger patient age, being a spouse, and overhearing conversations between the medical staff outside the room at the time of the patient's death; those reporting high-level necessity of improvement were less likely to have encountered attempts to ensure the patient's comfort, received less family coaching on how to care for the patient, and felt that insufficient time was allowed for the family to grieve after the patient's death. Conclusion A considerable number of families experienced severe emotional distress when their family member died. Thus, we propose that a desirable care concept for imminently dying cancer patients should include relief of patient suffering, family advisement on how to care for the patient, allowance of enough time for the family to grieve, and ensuring that family members cannot overhear medical staff conversations at the time of the patient's death.

Preferred lifestyle upon advanced cancer diagnosis: Comparison of perspectives of advanced cancer patients, family members, and physicians in Japan.

2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e20559-e20559
Author(s):  
Mioko Ikushima ◽  
Jiichiro Sasaki ◽  
Seigo Nakamura ◽  
Naomi Sakurai ◽  
Michiko Oki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Advanced Cancer ◽  
Cancer Diagnosis ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Advanced Cancer Patients ◽  
Comparison Of Perspectives

scholarly journals Views of advanced cancer patients, families, and oncologists on initiating and engaging in advance care planning: a qualitative study

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
J. T. Toguri ◽  
L. Grant-Nunn ◽  
R. Urquhart
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Advanced Cancer ◽  
Advance Care Planning ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Formal Training ◽  
Team Approach ◽  
Care Planning ◽  
Advanced Cancer Patients ◽  
Advance Care ◽  
Services And Supports

Abstract Background Advance care planning (ACP) is a process by which patients reflect upon their goals, values and beliefs to allow them to make decisions about their future medical treatment that align with their goals and values, improving patient-centered care. Despite this, ACP is underutilized and is reported as one of the most difficult processes of oncology. We sought to: 1) explore patients’ and families’ understanding, experience and reflections on ACP, as well as what they need from their physicians during the process; 2) explore physicians’ views of ACP, including their experiences with initiating ACP and views on ACP training. Methods This was a qualitative descriptive study in Nova Scotia, Canada with oncologists, advanced cancer out-patients and their family members. Semi-structured interviews with advanced cancer out-patients and their family members (n = 4 patients, 4 family members) and oncologists (n = 10) were conducted; each participant was recruited separately. Data were analyzed using constant comparative analysis, which entailed coding, categorizing, and identifying themes recurrent across the datasets. Results Themes were identified from the patient / family and oncologist groups, four and five respectively. Themes from patients / families included: 1) positive attitudes towards ACP; 2) healthcare professionals (HCPs) lack an understanding of patients’ and families’ informational needs during the ACP process; 3) limited access to services and supports; and 4) poor communication between HCPs. Themes from oncologists included: 1) initiation of ACP discussions; 2) navigating patient-family dynamics; 3) limited formal training in ACP; 4) ACP requires a team approach; and 5) lack of coordinated systems hinders ACP. Conclusions Stakeholders believe ACP for advanced cancer patients is important. Patients and families desire earlier and more in-depth discussion of ACP, additional services and supports, and improved communication between their HCPs. In the absence of formal training or guidance, oncologists have used clinical acumen to initiate ACP and a collaborative healthcare team approach.

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