We partner with a secure submission system to handle manuscript submissions.
Please note:
You will need an account for the submission system, which is separate to your Cambridge Core account. For login and submission support, please visit the
submission and support pages.
Please review this journal's author instructions, particularly the
preparing your materials
page, before submitting your manuscript.
Click Proceed to submission system to continue to our partner's website.
To save this undefined to your undefined account, please select one or more formats and confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you used this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your undefined account.
Find out more about saving content to .
To send this article to your Kindle, first ensure no-reply@cambridge.org is added to your Approved Personal Document E-mail List under your Personal Document Settings on the Manage Your Content and Devices page of your Amazon account. Then enter the ‘name’ part of your Kindle email address below. Find out more about sending to your Kindle.
Find out more about saving to your Kindle.
Note you can select to save to either the @free.kindle.com or @kindle.com variations. ‘@free.kindle.com’ emails are free but can only be saved to your device when it is connected to wi-fi. ‘@kindle.com’ emails can be delivered even when you are not connected to wi-fi, but note that service fees apply.
Despite the clinical use of dignity therapy (DT) to enhance end-of-life experiences and promote an increased sense of meaning and purpose, little is known about the cost in practice settings. The aim is to examine the costs of implementing DT, including transcriptions, editing of legacy document, and dignity-therapists’ time for interviews/patient’s validation.
Methods
Analysis of a prior six-site, randomized controlled trial with a stepped-wedge design and chaplains or nurses delivering the DT.
Results
The mean cost per transcript was $84.30 (SD = 24.0), and the mean time required for transcription was 52.3 minutes (SD = 14.7). Chaplain interviews were more expensive and longer than nurse interviews. The mean cost and time required for transcription varied across the study sites. The typical total cost for each DT protocol was $331–$356.
Significance of results
DT implementation costs varied by provider type and study site. The study’s findings will be useful for translating DT in clinical practice and future research.
Limited evidence investigates how knowledge, misconceptions, and beliefs about palliative care vary across patients with cancerous versus non-cancerous chronic disease. We examined the knowledge of and misconceptions about palliative care among these groups.
Methods
We used weighted data from the National Cancer Institute Health Information National Trends Survey 5 (Cycle 2) for nationally representative estimates and logistic regression to adjust for respondent characteristics. We identified respondents who reported having (1) cancer ([n = 585]; breast, lung, and colorectal), (2) chronic conditions ([n = 543]; heart failure, lung disease, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder), or (3) neither cancer nor other chronic conditions (n = 2,376).
Results
Compared to cancer respondents, chronic condition respondents were more likely to report being Black or Hispanic, report a disability, and have lower socioeconomic status. In the sample, 65.6% of cancer respondents and 72.8% chronic conditions respondents reported they had never heard of palliative care. Chronic condition respondents were significantly (p < 0.05) less likely to report high palliative care knowledge than cancer respondents (9.1% vs. 16.6%, respectively). In adjusted analyses, cancer respondents had greater odds of high palliative care knowledge (odd ratio [OR] = 1.70; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01, 2.86) compared to respondents with neither cancer nor chronic disease; chronic condition respondents did not have increased odds (OR = 0.96; CI = 0.59, 1.54).
Significance of results
Disparities in palliative care knowledge exist among people with non-cancerous chronic disease compared to cancer. Supportive educational efforts to boost knowledge about palliative care remains urgent and is critical for promoting equity, particularly for underserved people with chronic illnesses.
The COVID-19 pandemic posed new challenges to physical and psychological well-being. Families with pediatric cancer patients were particularly vulnerable due to changes like children staying at home, hospital policy shifts, and caring for an immunocompromised child. Limited research exists on COVID-19's effects on these families. This study aimed to assess the pandemic's impact and identify psychosocial support gaps.
Methods
Participants (N = 256) were parents of children with cancer recruited via Facebook in partnership with Momcology®, a community-based organization for pediatric cancer, between February and May 2021. Qualitative analyses used open-ended responses about the pandemic’s impact on the family.
Results
Analysis revealed 6 themes, with positive and negative sentiments: family changes (n = 169; 61% negative), social isolation (n = 154; 100% negative), emotional impact (n = 143; 89% negative), school changes (n = 126; 80% negative), health-care changes (n = 111; 96% negative), and physical health (n = 49; 73% negative). Family changes overarched all themes and included financial strains, at-home schooling, and family bonding. Parents highlighted social isolation and the emotional impact of pandemic-related changes. School changes forced parents to balance remote-work and childcare. Health-care changes limited resources and visitation. Parents reported their children were less active and slept less but had fewer illnesses.
Significance of results
Many common pandemic challenges were exacerbated by the stress of caring for a child with cancer. Parents struggled most with loss of social support and feelings of isolation. Careful consideration should be given to providing resources for parents of children with cancer and their families.
Low-income, older adults are less likely than those with high income to participate in advance care planning (ACP); however, the pandemic may have influenced their views. The aim of this report was to explore the perceptions of COVID-19 related to everyday life and ACP.
Methods
We embedded ACP behavior inequities within the Social Ecological Model to highlight the importance of considering social inequities within an environmental context. Using a qualitative descriptive design, twenty individual interviews were conducted. Thematic analysis consisted of multiple rounds of independent and iterative coding by 2 coders that resulted in a hierarchically organized coding system. Final themes emerged through the inductive consideration of the transcript data and the deductive contribution of our theoretical framework.
Results
Three major themes emerged: social connection, quality of life, and end-of-life planning views. COVID-19 had not changed ACP views, i.e., those with existing ACP maintained it and those without ACP still avoided planning.
Significance of results
Low-income, older adults experienced lower social connection and quality of life during COVID-19 but did not express changes to ACP views. Our findings of the loss of regular social practices and mental health struggles may have competed with participants’ perception that this crisis had little, if any, effect on ACP. While clinicians should monitor low-income, older adults for ACP barriers during COVID-19, policymakers should prioritize ACP at the systems level. We plan to use participatory research methods to explore for the minimal ACP impact, focusing on barriers to ACP opportunities.
Some cancer patients experience cancer-related cognitive change (CRCC). Cognitive rehabilitation interventions (CRIs) have recently been developed to help mitigate the impact of CRCC, which, untreated, can impact resumption of daily life post-cancer treatment. The experience of participants is important to understand but largely absent within research literature. This study aimed to explore how those with CRCC experience the phenomenon following completion of a CRI.
Methods
This study comprised a qualitative phenomenological approach. This involved conducting in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 6 self-referred participants from one CRI. Participants were invited to discuss their experience of CRCC and what the CRI therefore meant to them. Interviews were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.
Results
Analysis of the findings revealed 4 key themes. (1) “Experiencing and addressing isolation” comprises reflections on posttreatment perceived abandonment and consequent feelings of belonging through CRI participation. (2) “Identity” explores participants’ reflections around perceived loss-of-self and feelings of empowerment from the intervention. (3) “Cognitive and physical balance” comprises the planning and choices participants make, supported by both their own and CRI coping strategies as they seek acceptance of cognitive change. (4) “Course reflections” explore reflections on intervention structure, format, and delivery, focusing on 2 subthemes of accessibility, flexibility and inclusivity, and communication. All participants reflected positively on their experience.
Significance of results
Results support further dissemination among health professionals and implementation of this CRI to better support self-reported CRCC concerns within this population. Future qualitative research should explore the long-term impact of CRI interventions.
Urine drug testing (UDT) plays a significant role in monitoring patients on chronic opioid therapy (COT) for non-medical opioid use (NMOU). UDT, at times, can be inconsistent and misleading. We present a case where a patient on a buprenorphine patch had false negative results.
Case description
A female in her 70s with metastatic breast cancer presented with uncontrolled pain from a T6 compression fracture. She had no relief with tramadol 50 mg every 6 hours as needed. Due to an allergic reaction to hydromorphone, our team prescribed a buprenorphine patch of 5 μg/h. Subsequently, she expressed excellent pain control, and the clinician confirmed the patch placement on examination. She underwent a UDT during the visit. The UDT was negative for both buprenorphine and its metabolites. The literature review showed that false negative UDT results are relatively common among patients with low-dose buprenorphine patches. The combination of a thorough physical examination, a review of the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, and reassuring scores on screening tools placed her at low risk for NMOU.
Discussion
Buprenorphine has a ceiling effect on respiratory depression and a lower risk for addiction. However, when used in low doses, the drug might not have enough metabolites in the urine, leading to a false negative UDT. Such results might affect patient–physician relationships.
Conclusion
In addition to the UDT, a thorough history, screening for NMOU, physical exam, a review of PDMP, and a good understanding of opioid metabolism are necessary to help guide pain management.
Palliative sedation (PS) consists of the use of drugs to alleviate the suffering of patients with refractory symptoms, through a reduction in consciousness. The aim of this study is to describe the incidence of and indications for PS in patients treated by pediatric palliative care teams (PPCT), and the relationship between PS, the place of death, and the characteristics of the care teams.
Methods
Ambispective study with the participation of 14 PPCT working in Spain.
Results
From January to December 2019, a total of 164 patients attended by these PPCT died. Of these, 83 (50.6%) received PS during their last 24 hours. The most frequent refractory symptoms were terminal suffering (n = 40, 48.2%), dyspnea (n = 9, 10.8%), pain (n = 8, 9.6%), and convulsive state (n = 7, 8.4%). Sedation in the last 24 hours of life was more likely if the patient died in hospital, rather than at home (62.9% vs. 33.3%, p < 0.01); if the parents had not expressed their preference regarding the place of death (69.2% vs. 45.2%, p = 0.009); and if the PPCT had less than 5 years’ experience (66.7% vs. 45.5%, p = 0.018).
Significance of results
PS is a real possibility in pediatric end-of-life care and relates to care planning and team expertise.
Adherence plays a vital role in the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions. The disappearance of interventions’ effects at follow-up was caused by inadequate self-practice beyond intervention period. The purpose of this study is to examine the factors associated with adherence to aerobic exercise and Tai Chi and the impact of adherence on the short- and long-term effectiveness in improving sleep in patients with advanced lung cancer.
Methods
This study analyzed data collected in a clinical trial that evaluated the effects of aerobic exercise and Tai Chi in patients with advanced lung cancer. Two types of exercises were maintained at the same intensity but with different dosage. A total of 99 patients with advanced lung cancer who were recruited between 2018 and 2020 were included. Data were collected using self-report questionnaires.
Results
Fifty participants were randomly assigned to aerobic exercise and 49 to Tai Chi intervention. Higher levels of satisfaction and lower levels of depression were significantly associated with higher attendance and compliance in both groups. Low fatigue levels contributed to higher attendance in Tai Chi. Both attendance and compliance were significantly associated with long-term sleep improvement.
Significance of results
Higher levels of satisfaction and lower levels of depression were important characteristics of attendance and compliance with home-based practice in both groups, whereas lower levels of fatigue uniquely contributed to higher attendance in Tai Chi. Better exercise adherence improves long-term effectiveness of sleep in patients with advanced lung cancer. Adopting strategies is imperative to promote exercise adherence in patients with greater levels of depression and fatigue.
To analyze how structural determinants and barriers within social systems shape options for dying well at home in Canada, while also shaping preferences for dying at home.
Methods
To inform a descriptive thematic analysis, 24 Canadian stakeholders were interviewed about their views, experiences, and preferences about dying at home. Participants included compassionate community advocates, palliative care professionals, volunteers, bereaved family caregivers, residents of rural and remote regions, service providers working with structurally vulnerable populations, and members of francophone, immigrant, and 2SLGBTQ+ communities.
Results
Analysis of stakeholders’ insights and experiences led to the conceptualization of several structural barriers to dying well at home: inaccessible public and community infrastructure and services, a structural gap in death literacy, social stigma and discrimination, and limited access to relational social capital.
Significance of results
Aging in Canada, as elsewhere across the globe, has increased demand for palliative care and support, especially in the home. Support for people wishing to die at home is a key public health issue. However, while Canadian policy documents normalize dying in place as ideal, it is uncertain whether these fit with the real possibilities for people nearing the end of life. Our analysis extends existing research on health equity in palliative and end-of-life care beyond a focus on service provision. Results of this analysis identify the need to expand policymakers’ structural imaginations about what it means to die well at home in Canada.
Many patients with advanced cancer identify home as being their preferred place of death. A critical component in achieving a home death is the support of family members, who often take on responsibilities for which they feel insufficiently prepared with subsequent impacts upon their health and well-being.
Objectives
This study sought to review existing qualitative literature on family carers’ experiences in providing end-of-life care at home for patients with advanced cancer, with an emphasis on exploring factors that influence how prepared they feel for their role.
Methods
A narrative review was chosen to provide an overview and analysis of qualitative findings. MEDLINE, PubMed, PsychINFO, and EMBASE databases were searched with the following search terms: “Cancer,” “Caregiver,” “End of Life Care,” “Home,” and “Qualitative.” Inclusion criteria were as follows: English language, empirical studies, adult carers, and articles published between 2011 and 2021. Data were abstracted, and study quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist for qualitative research.
Results
Fourteen relevant articles were included. Three overarching themes reflecting the factors influencing family preparedness for their role were identified: “motivations for providing care,” “interactions with health-care professionals,” and “changes during the caring process.”
Significance of results
Inadequate preparation of family carers is apparent with regard to their role in providing end-of-life care at home for patients with advanced cancer. There is a need for health-care workers to more effectively identify the information and support needs of families, and utilize evidence-based strategies that have emerged to address these needs.
This study aimed to validate the Japanese versions of the Trust in Oncologist Scale (TiOS-J) and the TiOS-Short Form (TiOS-SF-J).
Methods
A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted among cancer patients in Japan. The forward-backward translation method was used to develop the TiOS-J. The web-based survey was mailed to 633 people, of whom 309 responded. After 2 weeks, 103 among the 156 first-time respondents completed the second survey to verify the reliability of the retest method. The validity was evaluated by exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), Spearman’s correlation coefficients between the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire-Japanese, willingness to recommend the oncologist, trust in health care, and number of oncological consultations. To evaluate reliability, Cronbach’s α and test–retest correlation were calculated.
Results
The theoretically driven four-factor model and the EFA-driven one-factor model of the full-form TiOS-J (18 items) did not result in an acceptable fit; however, CFA supported the one-dimensionality of the 5 items from the TiOS-SF-J (χ2 (5) = 12.36, p = 0.03, goodness-of-fit index = 0.984, adjusted goodness-of-fit index = 0.952, comparative fit index = 0.991, and root mean square error of approximation = 0.069). With regard to the reliability of TiOS-J and TiOS-SF-J, the Cronbach’s alpha values were 0.94 and 0.89, respectively; the test–retest values were 0.82 and 0.78.
Significance of Results
This study indicated that the TiOS-J and TiOS-SF-J are valid and reliable instruments for measuring patients’ trust in their oncologists and can be used to assess trust in oncologists for both clinical and research purposes.
In 2015, the Canadian Supreme Court declared that an absolute Criminal Code prohibition on assisted suicide and euthanasia was unconstitutional. In response, the Canadian parliament enacted Bill C-14 in 2016 permitting assisted suicide and euthanasia for the end-of-life context, which it termed “Medical Assistance in Dying” (MAiD). In 2021, Bill C-7 expanded eligibility for MAiD to those with disabilities not approaching their natural death. By 2021, MAiD accounted for 3.3% of all deaths in Canada with some areas of Canada presently reporting MAiD death rates upward of 7%. In 2021, Canada had 10,064 deaths by MAiD, surpassing all jurisdictions for yearly reported assisted deaths.
Objectives
To examine the impact of the Canadian MAiD program and analyze its safeguards.
Methods
A working group of physicians from diverse practice backgrounds and a legal expert, several with bioethics expertise, reviewed Canadian MAiD data and case reports. Grey literature was also considered, including fact-checked and reliable Canadian mainstream newspapers and parliamentary committee hearings considering the expansion of MAiD.
Results
Several scientific studies and reviews, provincial and correctional system authorities have identified issues with MAiD practice. As well, there is a growing accumulation of narrative accounts detailing people getting MAiD due to suffering associated with a lack of access to medical, disability, and social support.
Significance of results
The Canadian MAiD regime is lacking the safeguards, data collection, and oversight necessary to protect Canadians against premature death. The authors have identified these policy gaps and used MAiD cases to illustrate these findings.
Pediatric health-care workers often care for families of minority religious backgrounds, but little is known about their perspective in providing culturally and spiritually appropriate care for Muslim patients. We aimed to (1) characterize the attitudes, knowledge, and skills of health-care workers in the care of critically ill Muslim children and (2) evaluate preferences for different educational interventions to improve care of critically ill Muslim children.
Methods
We administered a single-center, cross-sectional, 33-question, electronic survey of interdisciplinary health-care workers in a large pediatric intensive care unit in New York City to characterize their attitudes, knowledge, and skills in caring for critically ill Muslim children.
Results
Of 413 health-care workers surveyed, there were 109 (26%) respondents. Participants responded correctly to 51.7 ± 22.2% (mean ± SD) and 69.2 ± 20.6% of background knowledge and clinical skills questions, respectively. Only 29.8% of participants perceived adequate institutional resources to provide culturally competent care to Muslim patients and their families. Participants identified end-of-life care (47.5%) and bioethical concerns (45%) as needed areas for additional institutional resources. When asked about support to aid in caring for Muslim patients, 43.4% of participants requested a team of Muslim health-care workers to provide guidance. Participants most often requested video-based training modules (32.5%) and written materials (30%) as potential educational interventions.
Significance of results
We identify gaps in health-care worker knowledge and skills in the care of the critically ill Muslim child. We also describe possible areas for intervention to facilitate culturally and spiritually appropriate care delivery to Muslim children and families.
The Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, and Eye opener- Adapted to Include Drugs (CAGE-AID) questionnaire (CA) is a validated screening tool used to assess risk for nonmedical opioid use (NMOU) in patients receiving opioids for cancer pain. Data on consistencies and variations in responses to the CA between different clinical settings are lacking. We evaluated the frequency and consistency in scoring of the CA among patients seen between the first inpatient consult (T1) and the first outpatient follow-up (T2) visits.
Methods
A retrospective chart review of 333 consecutive patients seen at both T1 and T2 within 3 months between August 2016 and March 2017 was reviewed.
Results
Median age was 58 years (range, 18–87 years); 53% were female. CA was completed for 88% of patients at T1 and 94% at T2. Of these, 10% and 13% were CAGE-AID positive, respectively. CA score changed from negative to positive in 4% and from positive to negative in 1% of patients between T1 and T2. Kappa coefficient for agreement of CA between T1 and T2 was 0.74 (95% CI: 0.62–0.86, p = 0.02).
Significant of results
Completion rate and consistency of patient responses to the CA were high irrespective of clinical setting. Of these patients, 10% and 13% were CA positive which is suggestive of high risk for NMOU. Further studies are needed to evaluate ways to ensure more consistency in the completion of the CA and enhance its utilization in routine clinical practice.
Undergraduate nursing education prepares student for entry into the profession. Palliative care is an essential component of nursing education; however, a focus on the management of symptom burden fails to prepare the undergraduate in communication skills required for palliative or end-of-life care (EoLC). Simulation to teach acute care is well researched; however, limited studies explore simulation for palliative care or EoLC. Fewer studies combine communication with palliative care simulation.
Objectives
The overarching aim is to explore the influence of a palliative care communication simulation on undergraduate nursing students.
Methods
Participants were students recruited from two campuses at a major Australian university in 2021. Students attended a compulsory simulation for all nursing or nursing and midwifery students. Pre- and post-simulation questionnaires collected qualitative and quantitative responses from participants. This paper reports that the quantitative data captured included demographic information, and the Frommelt Attitude Toward Care of the Dying (FATCOD-B) tool, to assess the attitudes. The qualitative component of the research will be reported as a separate paper.
Results
A statistically significant increase in FATCOD-B scores was observed between pre- and post-simulation questionnaires, as well as a statistically significant difference related to the gender of participants. Age and previous experience with death also impacted FATCOD-B results.
Significance of results
The increase in FATCOD-B scores demonstrate that the positive impact of simulation suggests the importance of educational interventions such as the one conducted in this study. Education to improve the attitude toward caring for the dying and communication skills for difficult conversations are relevant and valuable. Further research is indicated.
Definitions of spirituality abound; however, the importance of context and need for better understanding within health-care practice has been emphasized. In particular, the understanding of spirituality for nurses has been shown to have an impact both professionally and personally.
Methods
This study used a conceptual analysis to explore the understanding of spirituality by German-speaking nurses in an educational context.
Results
A total of 91 nursing students (83.5% female, 16.5% male) took the spiritual care course between January 2022 and January 2023. The majority of participants (n = 63, 69.6%) were in the 26- to 40-year age bracket, 50 (54.9%) identified themselves as Christian, 15 (16.5%) chose other, 12 (13.2%) atheist, 6 (6.6%) humanist or agnostic, and 2 (2.2%) Buddhist. A conceptual analysis of nursing students’ written responses to the question “What is spirituality to me?” was conducted. Two overarching categories were identified. The first category was titled “What aspects or characters are linked to spirituality?” and included 5 subcategories: people, life, experience, a sense of security, and capacity. The second category was titled “How is spirituality experienced, practiced and lived?” and included 5 subcategories: sometimes just a hug, to align one’s life with that purpose, to be content with myself, conscious attention to oneself, and demarcation from religion. These subcategories were interrelated to one another.
Significance of results
These findings have implications for how spirituality is introduced in nursing education.
Psychological distress is common among palliative care patients. Despite this, little is known about the availability of psychological services to support palliative care patients within Australia. This study aimed to determine the level of psychological support services available within Australian Palliative Care Services. The study was based on a similar study in Australia by Crawford in 1999, allowing differences over time to be examined.
Methods
A 12-item online survey was distributed to adult Palliative Care Services throughout Australia from November 2021 to January 2022. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of responses was conducted, with comparisons made with the 1999 study using a 2-proportions z-test.
Results
Social workers were the most available professionals delivering psychological care (prevalence of 94.1%), followed by spiritual care workers (62.5%), creative therapists (43.8%), counselors (36.4%), psychiatrists (31.3%), complementary therapists (28.1%), and psychologists (25.0%). Nearly 60% of services had no access to a psychiatrist or a psychologist. The proportion of Palliative Care Services that had access to a psychiatrist, psychologist, or counselor was significantly less in 2021/22 compared to 1999, with differences of 29.4% (p = 0.002), 23.4% (p = 0.015), and 26.1% (p = 0.006), respectively.
Significance of results
Lack of access to psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors in Australian Palliative Care Services remains a significant issue and has become more prevalent since 1999. Ongoing advocacy and increased government funding to enable psychological health professionals to be readily employed in Palliative Care Services is vital.
This study aims to examine (1) the prevalence of demoralization among family caregivers of palliative care patients (PCP) in Hong Kong, (2) the percentage of caregivers who are demoralized but not depressed, (3) the factors associated with demoralization, and (4) the differences in caregivers’ support needs between high and low levels of demoralization groups.
Methods
Ninety-four family caregivers were recruited and completed a questionnaire that included measures of demoralization, depression and caregiving strain, caregivers’ support needs, and demographic information.
Results
The prevalence of demoralization among family caregivers of PCP was found to be 12.8% (cutoff score = 50) and 51.1% (cutoff score = 30). Although 27.7% of caregivers met the criteria of depression and demoralization, 12.8% of demoralized caregivers were not depressed. Depression and caregiving strain were identified as the predictors of demoralization. Caregivers with a poorer subjective physical status and a lower education level are more prone to demoralization. The three major caregivers’ needs for support reported were (1) knowing what to expect in the future (77.7%); (2) knowing who to contact (74.5%); and (3) understanding your relative’s illness (73.4%). Those who experienced a high level of demoralization often reported more need for support in end-of-life caregiving.
Significance of results
This is the first study that focused on the demoralization of family caregivers of PCP in the East Asian context. Demoralization is prevalent among these caregivers. We recommend that early assessment of demoralization among family caregivers of PCP be considered, especially for those who are more depressed and have a higher level of caregiving stress.
This study aims to measure and explore the barriers to translating theoretical knowledge of palliative care into clinical practice.
Methods
A mixed-method study, combining a cross-sectional survey and key interviews was conducted. The quantitative data were obtained from 173 nurses and the key interviews were conducted with 42 health professionals drawn from multiple settings. For quantitative data analysis, Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software were conducted, and a thematic analysis supported with NVivo software were used for analyzing qualitative data.
Results
Of the 220 nurses invited, 173 completed the survey (79%). Most (78%) had a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Fewer than half, 69 (40%) scored 75% or more for the knowledge test; 173 (100%) scored 50% or greater for attitude; and only 32 (18.5%) scored 75% or greater for self-reported practice. While there was a small, positive correlation between palliative care attitudes and self-reported practice (r = 0.22, p = 0.003), the qualitative findings indicated that nurses had significant challenges in translating their theoretical knowledge into clinical practice. Limited clinical practice was linked to inadequate knowledge resulting from insufficient integration of palliative care content in undergraduate curricula and a lack of follow-up training. This was further exacerbated by shortages of medicine, staff, and financial resources and was linked to limited attention accorded to palliative care by the government.
Significance of results
While the results showed the majority held positive views toward palliative care, improving palliative care practices requires, and enhancing nurses’ knowledge of palliative care. This requires changing teaching methods and engaging policymakers.
Physical activity (PA) interventions help people with advanced incurable diseases to manage symptoms and improve their quality of life. However, little is known about the extent to which PA is currently delivered in hospice care in England.
Objectives
To determine the extent of and intervention features of PA service provision in hospice care in England alongside barriers and facilitators to their delivery.
Methods
An embedded mixed-methods design using (1) a nationwide online survey of 70 adult hospices in England and (2) focus groups and individual interviews with health professionals from 18 hospices. Analysis of the data involved applying descriptive statistics to the numeric items and thematic analysis to the open-ended questions. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analyzed separately.
Results
The majority of responding hospices (n = 47/70, 67%) promoted PA in routine care. Sessions were most often delivered by a physiotherapist (n = 40/47, 85%) using a personalized approach (n = 41/47, 87%) and included resistance/thera bands, Tai Chi/Chi Qong, circuit exercises, and yoga. The following qualitative findings were revealed: (1) variation among hospices in their capacity to deliver PA, (2) a desire to embed a hospice culture of PA, and (3) a need for an organizational commitment to PA service provision.
Significance of results
While many hospices in England deliver PA, there is considerable variation in its delivery across sites. Funding and policy action may be needed to support hospices to initiate or scale up services and address inequity in access to high-quality interventions.