Factors Related to the Quality of the Dying Process in Cancer Patients

Maritza Espinoza Venegas,Olivia Sanhueza Alvarado

doi:10.1590/s0104-11692010000400010

Maritza Espinoza Venegas, Olivia Sanhueza Alvarado

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/s0104-11692010000400010

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Abstract

This correlational and descriptive research examined the Quality of the Dying Process (QDP) in cancer patients. Data were collected from one significant person for each of the 78 patients who had died, using QDP and communication quality questionnaires. The highest QDP scores were found for social experiences related to: the moment of death, family company and their concern with the person. The lowest score was for symptoms. A statistically significant association (p<0.001) was found between a better QDP and: preparation for death, spending time with the family, concern and care for the patient, communication quality. patient care needs to be focused on the aspects fostering closeness and dialogue with the patient's close relatives, promoting communication in order to detect and handle the real problems, along with efficient pain management, in which humanized care is essential.

Highlights

IntroductionChile has exhibited demographic and epidemiological changes originating in modified lifestyles, advances in health technologies and socialsanitary progress, converging in increased morbidity and mortality levels due to chronic illnesses
In recent years, Chile has exhibited demographic and epidemiological changes originating in modified lifestyles, advances in health technologies and socialsanitary progress, converging in increased morbidity and mortality levels due to chronic illnesses
This research offered the start for a body of knowledge about the way people reach the final phase in their lives. Results for these people who died of cancer reflect that a better Quality of the Dying Process is mainly related with the control of symptoms, especially pain and fatigue

Summary

Introduction

Chile has exhibited demographic and epidemiological changes originating in modified lifestyles, advances in health technologies and socialsanitary progress, converging in increased morbidity and mortality levels due to chronic illnesses. Patients living with cancer have to face multiple challenges, varying along with the course of the disease People who know their diagnosis probably sense that the disease irreversibly and inexorably advances towards death, which can arouse feelings of great vulnerability; fear of death and of physical symptoms and psychological anguish, aspects they need to adapt and go through, facing the most difficult phase in their lives, in order to die in peace and acceptance[1]. Their coping skills will depend on their own and their environment’s resources. As competent resources, can intervene to strengthen the patient or handle the environment, www.eerp.usp.br/rlae

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