Healthcare professionals' response to cachexia in advanced cancer: A qualitative study
Authors: Millar, C., Reid, J. and Porter, S.
Journal: Oncology Nursing Forum
Volume: 40
Issue: 6
eISSN: 1538-0688
ISSN: 0190-535X
DOI: 10.1188/13.ONF.E393-E402
Abstract:Purpose/Objectives: To explore healthcare professionals' experience, understanding, and perception of the needs of patients with cachexia in advanced cancer. Research Approach: A qualitative approach based on symbolic interactionism. Setting: A regional cancer center in a large teaching hospital in the United Kingdom. Participants: 34 healthcare professionals who had experience providing care to patients with cachexia in advanced cancer. Methodologic Approach: Data collection consisted of two phases: focus group and semistructured interviews. Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim for analysis. This article reports on findings from the second phase of data collection. Findings: Analysis revealed that professional approaches to cachexia were influenced by three overarching and interthinking themes: knowledge, culture, and resources. Healthcare professionals commonly recognized the impact of the syndrome; however, for nonpalliative healthcare professionals, a culture of avoidance and an overreliance on the biomedical model of care had considerable influence on the management of cachexia in patients with advanced cancer. Conclusions: Cachexia management in patients with advanced cancer can be difficult and is directed by a variable combination of the influence of knowledge, culture of the clinical area, and available resources. Distinct differences exist in the management of cachexia among palliative and nonpalliative care professionals. Interpretation: This study presented a multiprofessional perspective on the management of cachexia in patients with advanced cancer and revealed that cachexia is a complex and challenging syndrome that needs to be addressed from a holistic model of care. Knowledge Translation: Cachexia management in patients with advanced cancer is complex and challenging and is directed by a combination of variables. An overreliance on the biomedical model of health and illness occurs in the management of cachexia in patients with advanced cancer. Cachexia needs to be addressed from a holistic model of care to reflect the multidimensional needs of patients and their families. © 2013 by the Oncology Nursing Society.
Source: Scopus
Healthcare professionals' response to cachexia in advanced cancer: a qualitative study.
Authors: Millar, C., Reid, J. and Porter, S.
Journal: Oncol Nurs Forum
Volume: 40
Issue: 6
Pages: E393-E402
eISSN: 1538-0688
DOI: 10.1188/13.ONF.E393-E402
Abstract:PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To explore healthcare professionals' experience, understanding, and perception of the needs of patients with cachexia in advanced cancer. RESEARCH APPROACH: A qualitative approach based on symbolic interactionism. SETTING: A regional cancer center in a large teaching hospital in the United Kingdom. PARTICIPANTS: 34 healthcare professionals who had experience providing care to patients with cachexia in advanced cancer. METHODOLOGIC APPROACH: Data collection consisted of two phases: focus group and semistructured interviews. Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim for analysis. This article reports on findings from the second phase of data collection. FINDINGS: Analysis revealed that professional approaches to cachexia were influenced by three overarching and interthinking themes: knowledge, culture, and resources. Healthcare professionals commonly recognized the impact of the syndrome; however, for nonpalliative healthcare professionals, a culture of avoidance and an overreliance on the biomedical model of care had considerable influence on the management of cachexia in patients with advanced cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Cachexia management in patients with advanced cancer can be difficult and is directed by a variable combination of the influence of knowledge, culture of the clinical area, and available resources. Distinct differences exist in the management of cachexia among palliative and nonpalliative care professionals. INTERPRETATION: This study presented a multiprofessional perspective on the management of cachexia in patients with advanced cancer and revealed that cachexia is a complex and challenging syndrome that needs to be addressed from a holistic model of care. KNOWLEDGE TRANSLATION: Cachexia management in patients with advanced cancer is complex and challenging and is directed by a combination of variables. An overreliance on the biomedical model of health and illness occurs in the management of cachexia in patients with advanced cancer. Cachexia needs to be addressed from a holistic model of care to reflect the multidimensional needs of patients and their families.
Source: PubMed
Healthcare professionals' response to cachexia in advanced cancer: A qualitative study
Authors: Millar, C., Reid, J. and Porter, S.
Journal: Oncology Nursing Forum
Volume: 40
Issue: 6
DOI: 10.1188/13.ONF.E393-E402
Source: Manual
Healthcare professionals' response to cachexia in advanced cancer: a qualitative study.
Authors: Millar, C., Reid, J. and Porter, S.
Journal: Oncology nursing forum
Volume: 40
Issue: 6
Pages: E393-E402
eISSN: 1538-0688
ISSN: 0190-535X
DOI: 10.1188/13.onf.e393-e402
Abstract:Purpose/objectives
To explore healthcare professionals' experience, understanding, and perception of the needs of patients with cachexia in advanced cancer.Research approach
A qualitative approach based on symbolic interactionism.Setting
A regional cancer center in a large teaching hospital in the United Kingdom.Participants
34 healthcare professionals who had experience providing care to patients with cachexia in advanced cancer.Methodologic approach
Data collection consisted of two phases: focus group and semistructured interviews. Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim for analysis. This article reports on findings from the second phase of data collection.Findings
Analysis revealed that professional approaches to cachexia were influenced by three overarching and interthinking themes: knowledge, culture, and resources. Healthcare professionals commonly recognized the impact of the syndrome; however, for nonpalliative healthcare professionals, a culture of avoidance and an overreliance on the biomedical model of care had considerable influence on the management of cachexia in patients with advanced cancer.Conclusions
Cachexia management in patients with advanced cancer can be difficult and is directed by a variable combination of the influence of knowledge, culture of the clinical area, and available resources. Distinct differences exist in the management of cachexia among palliative and nonpalliative care professionals.Interpretation
This study presented a multiprofessional perspective on the management of cachexia in patients with advanced cancer and revealed that cachexia is a complex and challenging syndrome that needs to be addressed from a holistic model of care.Knowledge translation
Cachexia management in patients with advanced cancer is complex and challenging and is directed by a combination of variables. An overreliance on the biomedical model of health and illness occurs in the management of cachexia in patients with advanced cancer. Cachexia needs to be addressed from a holistic model of care to reflect the multidimensional needs of patients and their families.Source: Europe PubMed Central