Quality of Life Determinants in Breast Cancer Patients at the End-stage of life: A Qualitative Study

Introduction & Aim: The End-stage of life is a phase during which a person gets close to death. So qualityof-life of patients at the end stage of life are different from that quality of life in other people. Quality of health care at the end stage of life presents is a major challenge for patients and their families as well as health professionals and policy-makers. The aim of this study was to identification quality of life determinants in breast cancer patients at the end stage of life. Methods: This qualitative study was performed by the thematic- framework analysis. In this study 25 participants included breast cancer patients (8), families (3), physicians (3), nurses (3), psychologists (3) and clergymen (3) were selected. The sampling method was homogeneous in the process of qualitativeresearch and the sample size was based on the data saturation. Data were collected by semi – Structured interview. Thematic framework method was used for analyze qualitative data. MAXQDA software was used for data management.Results: Seven main concepts was obtained as quality of life determinants in breast cancer patient in at end stage included stress reduction, family participation, home care, education, independence, support, resources and facilities .In addition 28 themes were recognized. Conclusion: According to quality of life determinants in breast cancer patient at the end-stage of life paying attention to from health policy-makers can be helpful for patients and their families and planners for providing a better quality of life for patients with immediate effect. Sensitizing the community to the rights of end-stage of life patient can provide appropriate care for these patients

کلیدواژه ها:

Quality of life Determinants ، Breast Cancer Patients ، End stage life ، Qualitative Study