Publication
End of life care experience at the peadiatic oncology unit at the uganda cancer institute: What role can oncology nurses play?
Mulyowa I · Pediatric Blood and Cancer · 2018
Background/Objectives: Although the majority of childhood cancers are curable, this is not yet true for low resource countries. In Uganda, cancer care is only done at the Uganda Cancer Institute. Between Jan 1st and Dec 31st, there were 4,321 new cancer cases registered and about 8% were among children. The mortality rate is 70% annually, that is every 3 in 5 children diagnosed with cancer will not survive past one year after cancer diagnosis. Here, we review the factors contributing to poor outcomes and potential solutions objectives Design/Methods: Experience Results: Majority of the children (70%) present with advanced disease at cancer diagnosis, so the treatment intent is usually palliative. Family involvement in decisions regarding palliative chemotherapy at end of life is high in the Pediatrics compared to the adult oncology. The concept of quality of life for patients with advanced cancer is not well perceived among caretakers. Nurses play an integral role, identifying symptoms, providing care coordination, because they are with the patients most of the time. Also ensuring clear communication with patients' and their caretakers. Nurses roles: While patients are admitted, they spend most of the time on the ward with the nurses, so nurses play a big role in: Identifying symptoms, providing care coordination, implementing doctor's written orders and also identifying a dying patient. Nurses also play a big role, continuing the canceling that was started by the doctors They play a role in reassuring the patient especially the adolescents and also reassuring the family. Conclusions: Palliative Care Training for all the clinicians and other healthcare providers is essential, also educational initiatives for patients and their families regarding the type of cancer the child/patient has, treatment modalities should be emphasized. The oncology nurses play a key role in the multidisciplinary team approach to paediatric patients at end of life care.
Synced from the TRENDS in Pediatric Palliative Care Zotero library, curated by The Siden Research Team. ICPCN does not host or verify the full text.