Benefits of Early Palliative Care Integration in a Day Care Program: The Patients' Perspective

The aim of this study is to present the experiences of cancer patients who participate in a social model palliative day care program (PDCP). This is the first research study that evaluates early integration of PDCP, from the patients' perspective, in Central and Eastern Europe. A descriptive qualitative study using five focus groups was conducted with patients cared by Hospice Casa Sperantei Foundation (HCS) in Brasov, Romania. Fifty participants were recruited from the PDCP. Discussions were transcribed and analyzed thematically. Three major categories emerged from the focus groups: (1) significance of diagnosis before integration of palliative care (PC); (2) perceptions of diagnosis after integration of PC; and (3) benefits of attending the PDCP. The findings indicate that PDCPs facilitate continuity of care for patients and families with PC needs by addressing and responding to physical, psychosocial, and spiritual needs. Participation in the PDCP fosters a sense of connectedness with others, helps individuals reconnect with self, and provides an opportunity to engage in activities that bring meaning and value to daily living. This study is highly important in the context of a national- and regional-wide interest for increasing the coverage of PC needs of patients and families, by varying the types of services. It explores the benefits of integration of PC services early on the trajectory of the disease of cancer patients. The themes that emerged from this study are consistent with previous international studies referring to benefits of early integration of PC throughout PDCP. Future research is needed to examine further the benefits of early integration of PDCP services for patients living with serious illnesses. Clinical Trials Registration Number 1/03.02.2020.