Views of advanced cancer patients, families, and oncologists on initiating and engaging in advance care planning: a qualitative study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Advance care planning (ACP) is a process by which patients reflect upon their goals, values and beliefs to allow them to make decisions about their future medical treatment that align with their goals and values, improving patient-centered care. Despite this, ACP is underutilized and is reported as one of the most difficult processes of oncology. We sought to: 1) explore patients' and families' understanding, experience and reflections on ACP, as well as what they need from their physicians during the process; 2) explore physicians' views of ACP, including their experiences with initiating ACP and views on ACP training.

Methods

This was a qualitative descriptive study in Nova Scotia, Canada with oncologists, advanced cancer out-patients and their family members. S

SUBMITTER: Toguri JT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7531150 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature