Possibilities and Limitations in Person-Centred Cancer Care: A Qualitative Study

Area of Science:

• Healthcare research
• Oncology nursing
• Medical sociology

Background:

• High-quality cancer care necessitates a paradigm shift from disease-centered to human-centered approaches.
• Current healthcare systems often prioritize institutions over the holistic needs of individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore healthcare professionals' perspectives on enabling and hindering factors for person-centered care in cancer settings.
• To understand how to better alleviate patient suffering through improved care delivery.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative, explorative design utilizing focus group interviews with nurses and physicians.
• Data collected from 15 healthcare professionals at a Finnish cancer clinic in early 2024.
• Qualitative content analysis applied, adhering to COREQ guidelines.

Main Results:

• Factors promoting person-centered care include continuity, multidisciplinary collaboration, collegial support, work ethics, and competence.
• Organizational boundaries, failure demand, and emotional limitations were identified as barriers.
• Collaboration between management and professionals, alongside patient engagement, can mitigate barriers.

Conclusions:

• Integrating healthcare organizations through enhanced collaboration and flexibility can improve cancer care.
• Addressing factors like failure demand can alleviate patient suffering and optimize resource utilization.
• Empowering healthcare professionals and fostering systemic integration are key to advancing person-centered cancer care.