Development of a Palliative Care Model for End-Stage Cancer Patients in Pathum Thani Hospital

Abstract

Abstract

            This research and development study aimed to develop a palliative care model for end-stage cancer patients and to examine the outcomes of its implementation at Pathum Thani Hospital. The sample was purposively selected and consisted of 30 professional nurses and 30 family caregivers of end-stage cancer patients. The study proceeded through four phases: (1) situation analysis, (2) model design and development, (3) model implementation, and (4) evaluation. The research instruments included the developed palliative care model, interview forms, focus group discussion guides, and questionnaires. Content validity was assessed by five experts and yielded a content validity index of 1.00. The reliability coefficients of the questionnaires were 0.80 and 0.88. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, and qualitative content analysis.

The findings showed that (1) the developed palliative care model consisted of assessment and screening based on diagnostic criteria (PPS, ESAS, and ADL), disease-specific symptom management, and psychological, emotional, social, and spiritual care. The model emphasized patient and family participation, discharge planning, and home-visit follow-up in collaboration with community networks. (2) The satisfaction scores of family caregivers after implementing the model were significantly higher than before implementation (p < 0.01). Likewise, the nursing care outcome scores after using the model were significantly higher than before implementation (p < 0.01). These results support the recommendation that the model should be continuously applied and promoted in healthcare practice.