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Patient-Reported Palliative Care Outcomes in Kazakhstan: A Cross-Regional Study Using the POS Questionnaire
Aigerim Mukusheva1, Zaituna Khismetova1, Sholpan Tokesheva1
1Department of Public Health, Semey Medical University, Semey 071407, Kazakhstan.
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Palliative care patients in Kazakhstan report moderate physical, emotional, and existential distress. Disease type significantly impacts outcomes, suggesting tailored care approaches are needed. The Palliative Outcome Scale (POS) shows potential utility.
Area of Science:
- Palliative Care Research
- Health Outcomes Assessment
- Psychometric Validation
Background:
- Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are crucial for evaluating palliative care quality.
- Limited evidence exists on palliative care outcomes in Kazakhstan.
- This study addresses this gap by assessing outcomes using the Palliative Outcome Scale (POS).
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess palliative care outcomes among adult patients in Kazakhstan.
- To evaluate the utility of the Palliative Outcome Scale (POS) in this population.
- To identify factors associated with patient-reported outcomes in Kazakhstani palliative care.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 134 adult palliative care patients in East Kazakhstan.
- Data collection via socio-demographic/clinical questionnaire and the 10-item POS.
- Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Cronbach's alpha, correlation, nonparametric tests, and multiple linear regression.
Main Results:
- The mean total POS score was 10.13 ± 5.05, indicating a moderate problem burden.
- Highest mean scores were for self-worth, meaning in life, anxiety, and pain.
- Disease profile significantly correlated with total POS scores (p < 0.001); gender and age did not.
Conclusions:
- Kazakhstani palliative care patients experience moderate physical, emotional, and existential concerns.
- Disease profile is a key factor influencing patient-reported outcomes.
- The POS shows promise for use in Kazakhstan, but requires further psychometric validation.
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