Information needs about palliative care and euthanasia: A survey of patients in different phases of their cancer trajectory.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

We assessed information provision and information needs about illness course, treatments, palliative care and euthanasia in cancer patients.

METHODS:

Cancer patients consulting a university hospital (N=620) filled out a questionnaire. Their cancer related data were collected through the treating oncologist. This study is performed in Belgium, where "palliative care for all" is a patient's right embedded in the law and euthanasia is possible under certain conditions.

RESULTS:

Around 80% received information about their illness course and treatments. Ten percent received information about palliative care and euthanasia. Most information about palliative care and euthanasia was given when the patient had a life expectancy of less than six months. However, a quarter of those in earlier phases in their illness trajectory, particularly those who experienced high pain, fatigue or nausea requested more information on these topics.

CONCLUSION:

Many patients want more information about palliative care and euthanasia than what is currently provided, also those in an earlier than terminal phase of their disease.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS:

Healthcare professionals should be more responsive, already from diagnosis, to the information needs about palliative care and possible end-of-life decisions. This should be patient-tailored, as some patients want more and some patients want less information.

• Authors: Kim Beernaert, Chloë Haverbeke, Simon Van Belle, Luc Deliens, Joachim Cohen
• Journal: Patient education and counseling (Patient Educ Couns) Vol. 101 Issue 1 Pg. 132-138 (Jan 2018) ISSN: 1873-5134 [Electronic] Ireland
• PMID: 28729130 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Belgium
• Cross-Sectional Studies
• Delivery of Health Care
• Euthanasia
• Female
• Health Services Needs and Demand
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Needs Assessment
• Neoplasms (psychology, therapy)
• Palliative Care
• Surveys and Questionnaires
• Terminal Care
• Young Adult