Indian Journal of Palliative Care最新文献

{"title":"Palliative Care Training in Social Work Education: An Exploration of Stakeholder Perspectives and Curriculum Review.","authors":"Cherkkara Aswathi, M Arun, Mariya John, Gargi S Kumar, Elizabeth Saju Tharappel Thomas, Priya Treesa Thomas","doi":"10.25259/IJPC_159_2025","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.25259/IJPC_159_2025","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Social work practice in palliative, rehabilitation and long-term care settings has long been recognised as an important component of healthcare service delivery. However, limited studies have explored the preparedness for palliative care social work in post-graduate social work education in India.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Seven semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with professional social workers working in various palliative care settings in India to assess their educational preparedness for palliative care. The interviews were recorded and transcribed. The collected data were thematically analysed. Subsequently, a review of the postgraduate social work curriculum in universities recognised by the University Grants Commission was conducted using template analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A lack of educational preparedness of social work practitioners in end-of-life (EOL) care is identified through the in-depth interviews. The major themes from the interviews included content on palliative and EOL in social work curricula, fieldwork exposure to EOL, continuous education programmes, job education training and development of basic therapeutic skills. The review of curriculum using template analysis revealed that out of the 521 (Central and State) universities registered on the website, 25 had palliative care components incorporated into their curriculum. In these curricula, most included the content as part of the medical and psychiatric social work specialisation training. The curriculum made limited reference to the supervised practicum in this field.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>With the increasing recognition of the need for palliative and long-term care and the integral role of psychosocial care in these settings, there is a need to acknowledge the current lack of preparedness expressed by the practitioners in the field and to work towards a well-articulated training curriculum with an equal focus on content and skill building in social work education.</p>","PeriodicalId":13319,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Palliative Care","volume":"32 1","pages":"51-59"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13054361/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147638487","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Role of Electro-Therapeutic Modalities in Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema and Shoulder Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.","authors":"Renu Pattanshetty, Asmita Shrestha, Nikita Pawar","doi":"10.25259/IJPC_324_2024","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.25259/IJPC_324_2024","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is one of the most significant complications among survivors, leading to physical as well as psycho-social issues such as pain, joint restriction, heaviness, body image issues, and overall affecting quality of life (QOL). Various electro-therapeutic modalities are being used for its treatment, which is proven to be safe and effective. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to explore the evidence of the effectiveness of electro-therapeutic modalities in BCRL and shoulder dysfunction. This systematic review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. Electronic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, physiotherapy evidence database (PEDro) and Cochrane databases for eligible studies. Quality assessment was conducted by the PEDro scale for Randomised Controlled Trials and Modified McMaster Critical Review Form for other studies. The primary outcomes were arm volume, circumference and shoulder range of motion (ROM). Secondary outcome measures were QOL by QOL scale and functional assessment of cancer therapy-breast (FACT-B), and shoulder pain and disability by disability of arm, shoulder and hand (DASH), Quick DASH (Q-DASH) and shoulder pain and disability index. A descriptive synthesis of the studies was done, followed by a meta-analysis carried by Stata version 16 software. Twenty-eight studies were included in the review, and six in the meta-analysis. In summary, we found that electro-therapeutic modalities significantly improve arm volume, arm circumference at wrist level and shoulder ROM of flexion, abduction and external rotation. However, there was no significant improvement in arm circumference below the elbow, the elbow or below the axilla. This systematic review and meta-analysis identified significant improvement in terms of arm volume, circumference, shoulder ROM, shoulder pain and disability and overall QOL in BCRL and shoulder dysfunction. This review recommends the utilisation of these modalities in a clinical setting.</p>","PeriodicalId":13319,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Palliative Care","volume":"32 1","pages":"1-21"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13054370/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147638490","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"When Symptoms become Vital Signs…. Fetch your End-of-Life Care Crash Cart.","authors":"Megha Pruthi, Gaurav Chanana","doi":"10.25259/IJPC_231_2025","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.25259/IJPC_231_2025","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":13319,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Palliative Care","volume":"32 1","pages":"111-113"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13054319/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147638757","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Voices of Resilience: Lived Realities and Challenges of Caregivers for Cancer Patients Receiving Palliative Care - A Qualitative Perspective.","authors":"Ayushi Sood, Shruti, Sapna Sharma, Kaur, Minni Arora","doi":"10.25259/IJPC_265_2025","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.25259/IJPC_265_2025","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>The objective of this study was to explore the lived experiences of family caregivers of cancer patients receiving palliative care in a hospice setting.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted among 15 primary caregivers at a hospice in Chandigarh, India. Participants were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through in-depth, face-to-face interviews using a pre-validated interview schedule. Colaizzi's seven-step framework was used for data analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study revealed profound emotional, physical, financial and social challenges experienced by caregivers. Seven major themes emerged: emotional and psychological response to caregiving, physical and lifestyle impact, financial struggles, occupational disruption, spiritual and cultural aspects, social support and barriers and knowledge gaps. These reflect the cumulative burden caregivers carry as they navigate caregiving responsibilities in the end-of-life caregiving context.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Caregivers of cancer patients in palliative care face intense and complex challenges that require acknowledgement and structured support. Integrating caregiver-focused interventions into palliative care is essential for holistic, patient and family-centred care.</p>","PeriodicalId":13319,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Palliative Care","volume":"32 1","pages":"78-84"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13054368/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147638696","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Atlas of Palliative Care in Asia Pacific 2025: Regional Insights and Relevance.","authors":"Laura Monzón-Llamas, Vilma Adriana Tripodoro, Carlos Centeno","doi":"10.25259/IJPC_210_2025","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.25259/IJPC_210_2025","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The Atlas of Palliative Care (PC) in the Asia Pacific 2025 provides the first standardised overview of PC development across 41 countries, highlighting major disparities in access, opioid availability and policy implementation. India shows both progress, such as expanded training programmes, and critical gaps, including urban concentration of services and limited primary-level opioid access. The Atlas offers a valuable benchmark for regional planning, emphasising the need for stronger implementation, equity-focused strategies and policy accountability to advance universal PC coverage.</p>","PeriodicalId":13319,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Palliative Care","volume":"32 1","pages":"114-116"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13054367/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147638753","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Mediating Effect of Spiritual Well-Being on the Relationship between Social Support and Depression among Family Caregivers of Patients with Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy.","authors":"Muhamad Zulfatul A'la, Rondhianto, Akhmad Zainur Ridla, Maria Putri Sari Utami, Wiwi Kustio Priliana, Yuwadee Wittayapun","doi":"10.25259/IJPC_51_2025","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.25259/IJPC_51_2025","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to examine the mediating effect of spiritual well-being on the relationship between social support and depression among family caregivers of cancer patients (FCPC) undergoing chemotherapy.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A total of 180 families of cancer patients participated in this study, meeting the following inclusion criteria: Individuals aged 18-65 years, providing care for a patient with cancer in 4 months, residing with the patient and demonstrating no communication difficulties. Convenience sampling was conducted in two hospitals located in Yogyakarta and Jember, Indonesia, from May to August 2024. A valid and reliable self-reported structured questionnaire was used to collect data on depression, spiritual well-being and social support. The characteristic respondent questionnaire was also used. The unpaired t-test, analysis of variance and Pearson correlation were used to examine the relationships between depression and respondent characteristics, as well as the correlations among depression, spiritual well-being and social support. In addition, the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) PROCESS macro version 4.2 was used to examine the mediating factor model hypothesis confirmation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results showed that, based on the correlational test, spiritual well-being and social support were interconnected. The occupational status of the respondents correlated with depression. Social support positively affected spiritual well-being (B = 0.245; <i>P</i> < 0.001), and spiritual well-being was negatively affected by depression (B = -0.248; <i>P</i> < 0.001). In addition, social support was directly affected by depression (B = -0.236; <i>P</i> < 0.001). Bootstrap analysis supported the relationship between social support and depression with spiritual well-being as a mediating factor (B = -0.061; <i>P</i> < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study indicated that social support was a significant predictor of depression in FCPC undergoing chemotherapy, with spiritual well-being acting as a mediating factor. Therefore, nurses should integrate spiritual nursing care and incorporate significant others to mitigate depression. Future studies are needed to explore further mediators and develop specific interventions for reducing depression.</p>","PeriodicalId":13319,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Palliative Care","volume":"32 1","pages":"91-96"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13054333/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147638709","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Coping Strategies among Family Caregivers of Patients with Chronic Illness: A Qualitative Grounded Theory Study.","authors":"Norfaezah Md Khalid, Melati Sumari, Nurul Salwa Sajali, Asbah Razali, Nordinah Mohd Kassim","doi":"10.25259/IJPC_246_2025","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.25259/IJPC_246_2025","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to explore the coping strategies of family caregivers with chronic illness patients in Malaysia.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>The current study employed an inductive approach, specifically the grounded theory method. A total of 33 respondents were involved in this study, consisting of 24 family caregivers and nine professional helpers from diverse backgrounds. All respondents were recruited through purposive and theoretical sampling based on specified criteria. Data collection and analyses were carried out using semi-structured interviews and memos. Data analyses were assisted by NVivo 12 software. Several measures were undertaken to ensure the credibility and trustworthiness of the data.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Findings revealed four main coping strategies employed by family caregivers. It includes (1) support systems, (2) positive behaviour, (3) spiritual and (4) self-adjustment. Support systems comprise family, friends, employer and community. Positive behaviours include self-care practices, including seeking help from professional helpers, managing personal stress, emotional expressions and engaging in journal writing. Spirituality involves faith in God and religious practices, while self-adjustment consists of emotional and cognitive adjustment.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study contributes to the literature by providing new insights into the coping strategies used by family caregivers in the Malaysian context. The findings suggest that coping strategies should be individually investigated and adapted based on personal preferences and context. It offers valuable implications for nursing practices, particularly in providing a basic guideline for them to work with patient caregivers.</p>","PeriodicalId":13319,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Palliative Care","volume":"32 1","pages":"72-77"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13054331/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147638712","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Health-related Problems and Lived Experiences of Breast Cancer Survivors: A Mixed-Methods Study.","authors":"Maninderdeep Kaur, Budhi Singh Yadav, Divya Dahiya, Sukhpal Kaur, Akhilesh Sharma, Sushmita Ghoshal","doi":"10.25259/IJPC_31_2025","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.25259/IJPC_31_2025","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to explore breast cancer (BC) survivors' health-related problems and lived experiences.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>The current study employed a convergent mixed-methods design. It enrolled 115 patients and collected data using validated questionnaires to assess their health problems. Qualitative data were gathered through in-depth interviews.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean age of survivors was 49.35 ± 8.66 years. Problems reported in the descending order were fatigue, sexual dysfunction (decreased libido, painful sexual intercourse and vaginal dryness) and lymphoedema with shoulder stiffness, respectively. Qualitative analysis revealed themes related to post-diagnosis reactions, spirituality, misconceptions, disturbed body image, economic impact and need for help in household chores.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A substantial number of BC survivors had multiple health problems. Our study emphasises the importance of holistic survivorship care, involving nurses in post-treatment support and addressing societal discrimination and psychosocial concerns to enhance their quality of life.</p>","PeriodicalId":13319,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Palliative Care","volume":"32 1","pages":"33-40"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13054375/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147638718","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Psychological Impact of Societal Beauty Standards: A Systematic Review of Body Image Issues, Awareness Campaigns and the Role of Palliative Care in the Digital Era.","authors":"Jaya Bharti","doi":"10.25259/IJPC_111_2025","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.25259/IJPC_111_2025","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This systematic review examines the psychological impact of societal beauty standards on body image and mental health in the digital era. Over the past two decades, evidence demonstrates that unrealistic beauty ideals amplified through social media, AI-generated beauty filters and cosmetic modification cultures contribute to body dissatisfaction, self-objectification and mental health concerns, including low self-esteem, anxiety, depression and disordered eating. Synthesising 18 peer-reviewed studies published between 2004 and 2024, the review highlights heightened vulnerability among adolescents, young adults and individuals undergoing appearance-altering medical treatments such as chemotherapy, amputation or reconstructive surgery. Findings reveal a paradox: while digital platforms reinforce narrow beauty norms, they also provide space for counter-movements such as body positivity and body neutrality, particularly through peer-led campaigns and online communities. In palliative care contexts, illness-related bodily changes often disrupt identity and intensify appearance-related distress. Campaigns incorporating narrative storytelling, digital interventions and peer support were found to enhance self-image and psychological resilience. Despite these benefits, significant gaps remain, particularly in the lack of long-term, theory-driven and cognitive behavioural therapy-based interventions, as well as limited research tailored to chronic illness and end-of-life care. This review underscores the need for inclusive, culturally sensitive and technologically enabled approaches that foster body diversity, resilience and holistic psychosocial well-being across both general and clinical populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":13319,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Palliative Care","volume":"32 1","pages":"26-32"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13054328/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147638746","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hospice Care in Improving the Quality of Life of Elderly Patients: Assessing the Level of Awareness in Geriatric Centres.","authors":"Pooja Sharma","doi":"10.25259/IJPC_357_2024","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.25259/IJPC_357_2024","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Hospice is a special kind of care that focuses on a person's quality of life and dignity as they near the end of their life. Although a lot of emphasis has been laid recently on the concept of a holistic approach to healthcare, there is still limited awareness amongst the stakeholders related to the importance and need for hospice care. The present study focuses on assessing the level of awareness amongst the elderly population living in old-age homes regarding the concept of hospice care and its need for improving their quality of life.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>The study was conducted amongst elderly patients aged between 60 and 75 years, dwelling in geriatric centres, through a questionnaire survey. The Mini-Mental State Examination was administered before the survey to ensure screening for any mental impairment and difficulty in understanding the questionnaire by the participants. An informed consent was obtained and the purpose of the data collection was well informed to the participants before the collection of data.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The level of awareness for palliative care and hospice care facilities was calculated for 120 elderly individuals selected from geriatric centres. Only 7% of the participants demonstrated a clear understanding of the concept of hospice care services.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The level of awareness of hospice care amongst elderly individuals living in geriatric centres is low. This could be attributed to diverse factors such as educational level, economic status and unawareness regarding their disease progression and course or fear of talking about end of life. It is recommended that to utilise the best practices related to hospice care, the first step is to improve the awareness related to its need amongst the elderly population.</p>","PeriodicalId":13319,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Palliative Care","volume":"32 1","pages":"41-44"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13054327/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147638489","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}