Abstract
ObjectivesTo describe communication regarding cancer patient’s end-of-life (EoL) wishes by physicians and family caregivers.MethodsAn online questionnaire and telephone-based surveys were performed with physicians and family caregivers respectively in three teaching hospitals in Colombia which had been involved in the EoL care of cancer patients.ResultsFor 138 deceased patients we obtained responses from physicians and family caregivers. In 32 % physicians reported they spoke to the caregiver and in 17 % with the patient regarding EoL decisions. In most cases lacking a conversation, physicians indicated the treatment option was “clearly the best for the patient” or that it was “not necessary to discuss treatment with the patient”.Twenty-six percent of the caregivers indicated that someone from the medical team spoke with the patient about treatment, and in 67% who had a conversation, caregivers felt that the provided information was unclear or incomplete. Physicians and family caregivers were aware if the patient had any advance care directive in 6% and 26% of cases, respectively, with low absolute agreement (34%).ConclusionsThere is a lack of open conversation regarding EoL in patients with advanced cancer with their physicians and family caregivers in Colombia. Communication strategies are urgently needed.
Highlights
As Colombias population is rapidly ageing, mortality patterns shift from being dominated by unnatural causes and communicable diseases towards dominance by prevalent chronic diseases [1]
We aimed to describe knowledge regarding cancer patient’s wishes at the EoL by their treating physicians and family caregivers
A substantial proportion of the Colombian population is functionally illiterate, among the elderly, where cancer and providing care for relatives with cancer are more common [26], we considered this method of data collection appropriate and ethical for this sample
Summary
As Colombias population is rapidly ageing, mortality patterns shift from being dominated by unnatural causes and communicable diseases towards dominance by prevalent chronic diseases [1]. One of the main goals of palliative care and EoL care is to reduce suffering [3]. Suffering depends on very individual factors and it is impossible to provide high-quality palliative care without effective communication with patients, families, and caregivers regarding their needs. Calvache et al BMC Palliative Care (2021) 20:140 by prioritizing goals and reducing unnecessary treatments [6,7,8]. They assist in the decisionmaking process and reduce difficulties in making such decisions for the healthcare professionals [8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
