Cancer Res Treat.  2018 Apr;50(2):614-623. 10.4143/crt.2016.446.

Experiences and Opinions Related to End-of-Life Discussion: From Oncologists' and Resident Physicians' Perspectives

• Koh SJ
• Kim S
• Kim J
• Keam B
• Heo DS
• Lee KH
• Kim BS
• Kim JH
• Chang HJ
• Baek SK

• KMID: 2411149
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4143/crt.2016.446

Abstract

PURPOSE
The aims of this study were to explore how oncologists and resident physicians practice end-of-life (EOL) discussions and to solicit their opinions on EOL discussions as a means to improve the quality of EOL care.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A survey questionnaire was developed to explore the experiences and opinions about EOL discussions among oncologists and residents. Descriptive statistics, the t test, and the chisquare test were performed for the analyses.
RESULTS
A total of 147 oncologists and 229 residents participated in this study. The study respondents reported diverse definitions of "terminal state," and mostrespondents tried to disclose the patient's condition to the patient and/or family members. Both groups were involved in EOL care discussions, with a rather low satisfaction level (57.82/100). The best timing to initiate discussionwas consideredwhen metastasis or disease recurrence occurred orwhen withdrawal of chemotherapy was anticipated. Furthermore, the study respondents suggested that patients and their family members should be included in the EOL discussion. Medical, legal, and ethical knowledge and communication difficulties along with practical issues were revealed as barriers and facilitators for EOL discussion.
CONCLUSION
This study explored various perspectives of oncologists and resident physicians for EOL discussion. Since the Life-Sustaining-Treatment Decision-Making Act will be implemented shortly in Korea, now is the time for oncologists and residents to prepare themselves by acquiring legal knowledge and communication skills. To achieve this, education, training, and clinical tools for healthcare professionals are required.

Keyword

Advance care planning; Communication; Oncologists; Resident physician

MeSH Terms

Advance Care Planning
Delivery of Health Care
Drug Therapy
Education
Humans
Korea
Neoplasm Metastasis
Recurrence
Surveys and Questionnaires

Reference

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