Sammendrag
Background. Recognized disparities in quality of end-of-life
care exist. Our aim was to assess the quality of care for patients
dying from cancer, as perceived by bereaved relatives, within
hospitals in seven European and South American countries.
Materials and Methods. A postbereavement survey was
conducted by post, interview, or via tablet in Argentina,
Brazil, Uruguay, U.K., Germany, Norway, and Poland. Next
of kin to cancer patients were asked to complete the international
version of the Care Of the Dying Evaluation (i-
CODE) questionnaire 6–8 weeks postbereavement. Primary
outcomes were (a) how frequently the deceased
patient was treated with dignity and respect, and (b) how
well the family member was supported in the patient’s
last days of life.
Results. Of 1,683 potential participants, 914 i-CODE
questionnaires were completed (response rate, 54%).
Approximately 94% reported the doctors treated their family
member with dignity and respect “always” or “most of
the time”; similar responses were given about nursing staff
(94%). Additionally, 89% of participants reported they were
adequately supported; this was more likely if the patient
died on a specialist palliative care unit (odds ratio, 6.3; 95%
confidence interval, 2.3–17.8). Although 87% of participants
were told their relative was likely to die, only 63% were
informed about what to expect during the dying phase.
Conclusion. This is the first study assessing quality of care for
dying cancer patients from the bereaved relatives’ perspective
across several countries on two continents. Our findings suggest
many elements of good care were practiced but improvement in
communication with relatives of imminently dying patients is
needed.
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