End-of-Life Experiences for Cancer Patients Dying in Hospital with COVID-19. (January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McFarlane, Philippa; Halley, Angela; Kano, Yukie; Wade, Nicola; Wilson, Sophie; Droney, Joanne
• Is Part Of: Journal of patient experience. Volume 9(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-01
• Subjects: Cancer -- communication -- COVID-19 -- end-of-life care -- patient/relationship-centred skills -- quality of life; Patient satisfaction -- Periodicals; Patient satisfaction -- United States -- Periodicals; Patient participation -- Periodicals; Patient participation -- United States -- Periodicals; Patient satisfaction; Patient participation; United States; 362.1068
• DOI: 10.1177/23743735221074171
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2374-3735

Abstract

Despite a wealth of research regarding COVID-19, little evidence exists about cancer patients' specific needs and experiences at end-of-life. This study retrospectively describes the care of 34 hospitalised cancer patients dying with COVID-19. The palliative care needs of patients were described. The main domains of end-of-life care service provision were evaluated including treatment of pain and other symptoms, communication and decision making at end-of-life and level of involvement of the palliative care team. Physical symptoms were managed with relatively low doses of end-of-life medications. High levels of patient and family anxiety, however, highlight the complexity of death from a stigmatised disease. Prompt acknowledgement of the vulnerability of advanced cancer patients with COVID-19 can facilitate proactive symptom management, anticipatory communication and enhance family support.