Impact of palliative care on the quality of life and patient satisfaction in cancer patients: A before-and-after quasi-experimental study

Background: Palliative care is a holistic approach aimed at enhancing the quality of life for patients with cancer. Given the rising number of cancer patients in Iran, its significance has become increasingly apparent. This study investigates the effect of palliative care on the quality of life and satisfaction of patients with cancer. Methods: This before-and-after quasi-experimental study was conducted in ۲۰۲۴ on ۳۲۰ patients with breast, tongue, stomach, thyroid, osteosarcoma, and colon cancer at a teaching hospital in Tehran, Iran. Participants were selected through convenience sampling based on eligibility criteria, including being over ۱۸ years of age, having literacy, being able to speak Persian, and being psychologically stable. The quality of life and life satisfaction of patients were assessed before and after participation in a structured palliative care program. The intervention consisted of six two-hour palliative care sessions, delivered over two months. Data were collected using the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and the EORTC QLQ-C۳۰ Quality of Life Questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software, version ۲۶, and a paired t-test was employed for statistical evaluation. Results: The results indicated that the participants had a mean age of ۵۰.۶۷ years, with a standard deviation of ۱۳.۲۳ years. After receiving palliative care, the overall quality of life score, along with its dimensions (except for emotional functioning, sore throat, and diarrhea), showed a significant improvement (P < ۰.۰۰۱, Cohen’s d = ۲.۳۶). Moreover, the intervention led to a significant improvement in patients' life satisfaction, with a p-value of less than ۰.۰۰۱ and a Cohen’s d of ۱.۰۱. Conclusion: The study findings demonstrated that palliative care services, typically provided to individuals nearing the end of life, enhanced the quality of life for cancer patients. Policymakers should prioritize support for patients, and healthcare managers must collaborate to improve and provide palliative care services with qualified personnel, especially nurses.

کلیدواژه ها:

Palliative care ، Quality of life ، Patient satisfaction ، Neoplasms