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Palliative Care Perceptions and Needs Among Total Cancer Care Patients Undergoing Immunotherapy: A Mixed Methods
Malek Alnajar1, Nahyun Kim2, Ellie Roark3
1Malek Alnajar, PhD, MSN, CNS, RN , is an Associate Instructor, College of Nursing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT.
Summary
Patients receiving cancer immunotherapies often lack knowledge about palliative care (PC) and have unmet emotional and spiritual needs. Early integration of PC services is crucial for improving quality of life and support.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Palliative Care
- Cancer Patient Support
Background:
- Immunotherapies are increasingly used for advanced cancers, potentially creating misconceptions about palliative care (PC) needs.
- Prolonged survival with immunotherapy may alter patient perceptions of care requirements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine patients' knowledge, perceptions, and palliative care needs in the context of advanced cancer treatment.
- To identify key psychosocial and spiritual needs among patients undergoing cancer immunotherapy.
Main Methods:
- Convergent mixed-methods study involving surveys (n=33) and semistructured interviews (n=16) with advanced cancer patients.
- Quantitative data analyzed descriptively; qualitative data underwent thematic analysis.
Main Results:
- Most patients perceived immunotherapy as disease-controlling, with 81.8% reporting inadequate PC knowledge.
- Key unmet needs included preparedness for the future, emotional support for patients and families, and spiritual support.
- Qualitative themes revealed issues with treatment expectations, PC awareness, and timing of integration.
Conclusions:
- Proactive education and early integration of palliative care are essential for advanced cancer patients.
- Addressing unmet psychosocial and spiritual needs can improve quality of life and symptom management.
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