Caring for dying cancer patients in the Chinese cultural context: A qualitative study from the perspectives of physicians and nurses

Abstract

ObjectiveTo explore the experiences of Chinese physicians and nurses who care for dying cancer patients in their practical work. MethodThis was a qualitative study using semi-structured face-to-face interviews. Fifteen physicians and 22 nurses were recruited from a cancer center in mainland China. The data were analyzed by qualitative thematic analysis. ResultsDisclosure of information on death and cancer to dying cancer patients is taboo in traditional Chinese culture, which greatly decreases the physicians' and nurses' effective communication with dying patients in end-of-life (EOL) care. Both physicians and nurses described strong ambitions to give dying cancer patients high-quality care, and they emphasized the importance of maintaining dying patients' hopes in the death-denying cultural context. However, the nurses were more concerned with dying patients' physical comfort and wish fulfillment, while the physicians placed greatest emphasis on patients' rights and symptom management. Both physicians and nurses suffered whilst also benefitting from taking care of dying patients which helped with their personal growth and allowed greater insight into themselves and their clinical practice. Our results also indicated that Chinese physicians and nurses require improved methods of communication on EOL care, as well as needing more support to provide quality EOL care. ConclusionChinese physicians and nurses experience a challenge when caring for dying cancer patients in the Chinese cultural context. Flexible and specific education and training in EOL cancer care are required to meet the needs of Chinese physicians and nurses at the cancer center studied.