The Perspective of Cancer Patients in Palliative Care on Unmet Needs: A Qualitative Synthesis Using Meta-Ethnography.
Ilaria Basile, Letteria Consolo, Daniele Rusconi and 4 others
PMID 38180378WHAT IT FOUND
Palliative cancer patients feared pain more than death, wanted clear information, continuity, help without pity, spiritual support, and accessible out-of-hours care.
Ask directly about these unmet needs.
Key findings
01The synthesis identified four patient-expressed needs: comprehensive patient-centered care, autonomy and dignity, support for the soul, and accessible timely care.
02Patients feared pain and suffering, sometimes more than death, and wanted care that addressed more than medical expertise.
03Continuity, timely access, and clear information were common unmet needs, especially out-of-hours and rural settings.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
The included studies came from different countries and settings, so the themes may not fit every palliative care system. No studies from major countries such as the USA were included. Publication years ranged from 2007 to 2023, while palliative care services changed over that time. Some included studies were not rated as having sufficiently rigorous data analysis. This is a qualitative synthesis of experiences and needs, not evidence that any intervention improves outcomes.
The easy way to misread this
Do not treat these themes as proof that a specific palliative care intervention works. This is a qualitative synthesis of patient experiences, not an effectiveness trial.