End-of-life care preferences among cancer patients: A cross-sectional study in Vietnam

Abstract

Purpose

Honoring the end-of-life care preferences of cancer patients is indispensable for improving both the quality of life of patients and the quality of care they receive. This study aimed to explore end-of-life care preferences among cancer patients and related factors.

Methods

The cross-sectional study was conducted in a primary oncology hospital. G∗power was used to calculate the sample size. Convenience and proportional sampling methods were applied to collect data. Data collection was conducted from December 2023 to May 2024. Three instruments were used to investigate: 1) general and health information, 2) experiences and attitudes with end-of-life care for relatives, and 3) end-of-life care preferences. Data were analyzed using by the Fisher exact test.

Results

There were 280 participants in the study. The most important preferences of cancer patients were receiving the full truth regarding their illness, relieving distressing symptoms, having loved ones around when needed, being treated both physically and psychologically, not being a physical or psychological burden to family, and feeling meaningful life. The lowest percentage of agreement was for using active euthanasia. The findings showed difference in end-of-life care preferences between satisfaction with life, the experience of witnessing the relatives passing away at home, and attitude toward being remembered after death (p-values of 0.03, 0.02, and 0.04, respectively).

Conclusion

It is vital for medical staff to understand end-of-life care preferences in order to provide appropriate support for cancer patients, thereby optimizing their quality of life in the final stage and improving the quality of care.