Patient perceptions of quality of life with terminal cancer

Living With Incurable Cancer at the End of Life-Patients' Perceptions on Quality of Life

Johansson, Christina Melin RN, Phd-student; Axelsson, Bertil MD, PhD; Danielson, Ella RN, PhD

This article is either a qualitative or a quantitative research study. Identify which, and then complete the table below where applicable. Write no more than three sentences in each cell of the table. The study may not contain all of the elements listed, or the element may be necessary and is not addressed. If the study does not address one of these elements and it is not necessary, simply indicate as N/A in the appropriate box. If the element is not adequately discussed, explain based on your readings and your understanding of the research study.

Qualitative

Quantitative

Research question

How do patients describe their perceptions of the quality of life (QoL) in incurable cancer at the end of life?

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Problem

Patients with terminal cancer often receive palliative care (treatment to relieve systems) in order to secure QoL at the end of life. Most often treatment is limited to procedures to alleviate physical symptoms such as pain and fatigue.

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Purpose

This study was designed to explore the not only the physical dimensions that enhance QoL but also the psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions.

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Hypothesis

The exploration of patient's perceptions of QoL in an unprejudiced way will contribute to a better understanding of how to maintain and even improve QoL at the end of life relevant to these patients suffering from incurable cancer.

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Independent variable

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N/A

Dependent variable

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Theoretical framework

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N/A

Population

5 patients; 3 women, 2 men; 54-76 years of age; 2 married, 3 single; 4 educated to upper secondary school, 1 college; 2 breast cancer, 1 cancer of the bile duct, 1 prostate cancer, 1 cancer of the bladder; 3 -- 40 months since terminal diagnoses; 38 d -- 10 mo survival after last focus interview.

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Setting

The study was conducted in Sweden. Focus group met 3 times over a six-week period in the autumn of 2003. Meeting were held at a county hospital and lasted approximately 90 minutes.

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Practice application

Results of this study will add to the body of knowledge concerning patients with incurable cancer at the end of life. Results will be used to determine palliative procedures that enhance the QoL for these individuals during their final days.

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Theoretical framework

Content analysis was inspired by Krippendorf. Qualitative analysis of data gathered was used to search for trends and patterns in a text. Procedures were practical, systematic and verifiable.

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Level of evidence

DV = 3; MC -- RD = 3, PR = 3, ER = 3; AP = 2; TC = 2; HR -- IR = 2, RBK = 3, A = 3. Level of evidence = Good 89%.

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Is the article useful for Evidence-Based Practice, Outcomes Research, both, or neither? Explain your answer.

This study was limited by the small sample size, and the fact that it took place in one healthcare setting, however the knowledge gained from this study is useful for Evidence-Based Practice. It is also useful for Outcomes research that investigates how the application of this knowledge, as applied through palliative care, enhances the QoL for patients with incurable cancer as well as other terminal conditions.

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