Developing Clinical Guidelines for End-of-Life Care in Patients with Cancer in Iran

ContextCancer is the second cause of death worldwide. Patients with cancer, especially those in late stages, are confronted with many challenges. Healthcare providers need to support them with a palliative care plan.ObjectivesTo develop clinical guidelines for end-of-life care in patients with cancer.MethodsIn this study, an exploratory sequential mixed methods design was used. The qualitative phases included a content analysis via semi-structured qualitative interviews and a meta-synthesis to formulate the guidelines, and in the quantitative phase, the guidelines were validated using the Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation (AGREE) instrument. The content analysis and meta-synthesis were performed separately, then integrated and compared in an interpretation phase. Data were analyzed by hermeneutic analysis. Finally, a quantitative method was for validation of guidelines through the tool appraisal of guidelines research and evaluation (AGREE) instrument.ResultsIn total, 37 Iranian participants were interviewed, and 21 articles were selected and analyzed using thematic synthesis. Validation was performed by 66 head nurses and nurses at six university hospitals in Iran that have palliative care units. Our main data of end-of-life care were 1) Physical, 2) psychological, 3) social and 4) Spiritual care.ConclusionQuality of care in healthcare is important. The findings have provided a better understanding of the end of life care in patients with cancer to improve the quality of life for these patients

Keywords:

Experiences , Cancer , End-of-Life Care , Clinical Guidelines