End-of-life care in hematology: update from Australia

J Soc Work End Life Palliat Care. 2013;9(1):96-110. doi: 10.1080/15524256.2012.758608.

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to provide recent findings on the perceptions and experiences about end-of-life care for individuals with a hematological malignancy. A qualitative design based on a series of open-ended interviews and one focus group was utilized to explore and document the experience of survivorship from the perspective of adult patients diagnosed with a hematological malignancy. Fifty participants (n = 26 male; n = 24 female) were interviewed representing the major hematological diagnostic groups: Multiple Myeloma, Lymphoma, and Leukemia. The interviews and focus group were recorded, transcribed verbatim, coded, and thematically analyzed. The findings presented are from the participants' experiences with end-of-life care. The findings indicated that those fortunate enough to know about the benefits of palliative care are more likely to access palliative care during end-of-life care. However, for many hematology patients there are still problems with timely referrals to the palliative system. Within the context of an Australian research program, the findings provide a useful "snapshot" of current issues for Australian hematology patients and their families.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Australia
  • Female
  • Health Services Accessibility*
  • Hematologic Neoplasms* / psychology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Narration
  • Palliative Care*
  • Qualitative Research
  • Referral and Consultation
  • Social Support*
  • Social Work*
  • Survivors / psychology