A qualitative study of differences in palliative care in hospitals and traditional home-based care in Cameroon

Cameroon's palliative care system employs both hospital-based and traditional home-based methods, each influenced by cultural, structural, and practical considerations. This study investigated nurses' and family caregivers' perceptions of the differences between the two care settings, focusing on quality of care, cultural adaptation, and patient dignity.

This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews to explore palliative care experiences in hospital and home-based settings in Cameroon. Participants were selected using a purposeful sampling strategy to gather a diverse range of experiences. Thematic analysis was used to identify key insights and recurring patterns related to the research questions.

Our findings highlight substantial differences between the provision of palliative care in hospitals and at home. While hospitals offer sophisticated medical interventions and standardized protocols, they face challenges due to resource limitations and conflicting cultural values with patient preferences. Home-based care, conversely, emphasizes personalized and culturally appropriate practices; however, it is often hindered by a lack of professional monitoring and adequate resources. Navigating these settings presents logistical and emotional difficulties for nurses, while family caregivers stress the significance of cultural factors in their caregiving decisions.

A blended approach to palliative care, integrating the advantages of both hospital and home settings while mitigating their drawbacks, is crucial. In Cameroon, effective palliative care depends on policymakers and healthcare providers implementing culturally sensitive strategies and optimizing resource utilization.