PDF(Pubmed)
Abstract：
BACKGROUND: Advanced cancer patients with good Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (score 0-1) are underrepresented in current qualitative reports compared with their dying counterparts.
OBJECTIVE: To explore the experiences and care needs of advanced cancer patients with good ECOG.
METHODS: A qualitative phenomenological approach using semi-structured interview was employed. Data was analyzed using the Colaizzi\'s method.
METHODS: Purposive sample of terminal solid cancer patients on palliative care aged 18-70 years with a 0-1 ECOG score were recruited from a tertiary general hospital.
RESULTS: Sixteen participants were interviewed. Seven themes were generated from the transcripts, including experiencing no or mild symptoms; independence in self-care, decision-making, and financial capacity; prioritization of cancer growth suppression over symptom management; financial concerns; hope for prognosis and life; reluctance to discuss death and after-death arrangements; and use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and religious coping.
CONCLUSIONS: Advanced cancer patients with good ECOG have distinct experiences and care needs from their dying counterparts. They tend to experience no or mild symptoms, demonstrate a strong sense of independence, and prioritize cancer suppression over symptom management. Financial concerns were common and impact their care-related decision-making. Though being hopeful for their prognosis and life, many are reluctant to discuss death and after-death arrangements. Many Chinese patients use herbal medicine as a CAM modality but need improved awareness of and accessibility to treatment options. Healthcare professionals and policy-makers should recognize their unique experiences and needs when tailoring care strategies and policies.
OBJECTIVE: To explore the experiences and care needs of advanced cancer patients with good ECOG.
METHODS: A qualitative phenomenological approach using semi-structured interview was employed. Data was analyzed using the Colaizzi\'s method.
METHODS: Purposive sample of terminal solid cancer patients on palliative care aged 18-70 years with a 0-1 ECOG score were recruited from a tertiary general hospital.
RESULTS: Sixteen participants were interviewed. Seven themes were generated from the transcripts, including experiencing no or mild symptoms; independence in self-care, decision-making, and financial capacity; prioritization of cancer growth suppression over symptom management; financial concerns; hope for prognosis and life; reluctance to discuss death and after-death arrangements; and use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and religious coping.
CONCLUSIONS: Advanced cancer patients with good ECOG have distinct experiences and care needs from their dying counterparts. They tend to experience no or mild symptoms, demonstrate a strong sense of independence, and prioritize cancer suppression over symptom management. Financial concerns were common and impact their care-related decision-making. Though being hopeful for their prognosis and life, many are reluctant to discuss death and after-death arrangements. Many Chinese patients use herbal medicine as a CAM modality but need improved awareness of and accessibility to treatment options. Healthcare professionals and policy-makers should recognize their unique experiences and needs when tailoring care strategies and policies.
摘要：
背景：东部肿瘤协作组（ECOG）表现良好（评分0-1）的晚期癌症患者在当前的定性报告中与垂死的患者相比，代表性不足。
目的：探讨ECOG良好的晚期癌症患者的经验和护理需求。
方法：采用半结构化访谈的定性现象学方法。使用Colaizzi方法分析数据。
方法：从三级综合医院招募接受姑息治疗的晚期实体癌患者，年龄为18-70岁，ECOG评分为0-1。
结果：对16名参与者进行了访谈。从成绩单中产生了七个主题，包括没有症状或轻微症状；独立于自我保健，决策,和财务能力；癌症生长抑制优先于症状管理；财务问题；对预后和生命的希望；不愿讨论死亡和死后安排；以及使用补充和替代医学（CAM）和宗教应对。
结论：ECOG良好的晚期癌症患者与临终患者有不同的经历和护理需求。他们往往没有或有轻微的症状，表现出强烈的独立意识，并优先考虑抑制癌症而不是症状管理。财务问题很常见，并影响他们与护理相关的决策。尽管对他们的预后和生活充满希望，许多人不愿意讨论死亡和死后的安排。许多中国患者使用草药作为CAM模式，但需要提高对治疗方案的认识和可及性。医疗保健专业人员和政策制定者在制定护理战略和政策时应该认识到他们独特的经验和需求。
目的：探讨ECOG良好的晚期癌症患者的经验和护理需求。
方法：采用半结构化访谈的定性现象学方法。使用Colaizzi方法分析数据。
方法：从三级综合医院招募接受姑息治疗的晚期实体癌患者，年龄为18-70岁，ECOG评分为0-1。
结果：对16名参与者进行了访谈。从成绩单中产生了七个主题，包括没有症状或轻微症状；独立于自我保健，决策,和财务能力；癌症生长抑制优先于症状管理；财务问题；对预后和生命的希望；不愿讨论死亡和死后安排；以及使用补充和替代医学（CAM）和宗教应对。
结论：ECOG良好的晚期癌症患者与临终患者有不同的经历和护理需求。他们往往没有或有轻微的症状，表现出强烈的独立意识，并优先考虑抑制癌症而不是症状管理。财务问题很常见，并影响他们与护理相关的决策。尽管对他们的预后和生活充满希望，许多人不愿意讨论死亡和死后的安排。许多中国患者使用草药作为CAM模式，但需要提高对治疗方案的认识和可及性。医疗保健专业人员和政策制定者在制定护理战略和政策时应该认识到他们独特的经验和需求。
