Attention to the Values, Wishes and Needs of Patients With Advanced Cancer by Hospital Clinicians, an Exploratory Qualitative Study

Abstract

Context: Insight into patients’ personal values, wishes, and needs (VWN) by clinicians is essential to guide appropriate palliative care. Objective: To gain insight into the exploration and monitoring of the VWN of patients with advanced cancer during the illness trajectory by hospital oncology clinicians. Method: A generic qualitative study was conducted from February 2022 to July 2022. Specialized nurses, nurse practitioners and medical specialists (in training) providing care to adult patients with advanced cancer were recruited at an outpatient clinic in a Dutch academic hospital. Data were collected using in-depth semi-structured interviews and participatory observations of outpatient clinic consultations. Data were analyzed collaboratively by two researchers using thematic analysis. Results: Eleven clinicians, aged 33-64, 8 females, participated; 7 interviews and 13 observations were conducted. How clinicians explored and monitored patients’ VWN was based on their opinions, originating from the clinicians’ personal values and work experiences. These were influenced by the local collaboration. Three key opinions were identified: (1) providing safety, (2) supporting medical decision-making, and (3) ensuring alignment. Individual clinicians’ approaches varied. The alignment of care and treatment with the patient’s VWN was observed to be limited. Conclusion: Clinicians acknowledged the importance of exploring and monitoring patients’ VWN but lacked a systematic approach in discussing these topics. Patients should be actively engaged in communication regarding their VWN rather than primarily being provided with medical information. Patient-Reported Outcome Measures may be beneficial in facilitating communication regarding the patient’s VWN and could improve appropriate palliative care in hospital cancer care.