A qualitative study exploring the perceptions and understandings of advance care planning by people with treatable but not curable cancer.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Advance care planning for those with treatable but not curable cancer is considered good practice because innovations in treatment options make prognostication much more uncertain. Little is known about how such patients approach future planning.

Aim

To elicit the perceptions and understandings of advance care planning by patients with treatable but not curable cancer.

Design

Qualitative, in-depth interviews with patients were analysed using a reflexive thematic approach within a social constructivist paradigm.

Setting/participants

Twenty patients with treatable but not curable cancer were recruited to the study from a cancer care centre. Nine patients choose to be accompanied by family members.

Results

Four integrated themes highlighted that

SUBMITTER: Board R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12640362 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature