Effect of Palliative Care Program on Quality of Life for Hepatocellular Carcinoma of Elderly Patients

Abstract

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence is growing especially in elderly, and adversely affects quality of life (QOL). The increased access to palliative care services will be helpful for the elderly population. Aim: Determine the effect of palliative care program on the quality of life for hepatocellular carcinoma of elderly Patients. Design: the researcher used quasi- experimental research design. Setting: outpatient clinics at Gastrointestinal Surgery Center (GISC) hepatology unit affiliated to Mansoura University, Dakahlia governorate, Egypt. Subjects: The study subjects included a random purposive sampling of 72 HCC elderly patients of both sex diagnosed at least 6 months. Tools: Data collection is done by two tools namely Patients' interview schedule sheet (elderly Demographic and Health Relevant Characteristics) and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy- For elderly patients with Hepatobiliary cancer (FACT-Hep) Version4: Results: the age of the studied participants ranged from 60 to above 70 years. The elderly patient in study group total quality of life scores increased significantly in post one and post three follow up after implementation of palliative care program (P=0.000), while no improvement was observed in the control group. Conclusion: the QOL of elderly patients with HCC is improved by implementation of palliative care program. Recommendation: distribution of developed illustrated palliative care program booklet to all elderly patients and their families at Mansoura University Hospitals and Centers should be done