Problems of end stage cancer patients: Challenges for development of palliative care

Abstract

This review article research addresses palliative care within the context of end-stage cancer care. It highlights the challenges and constraints faced by palliative teams providing care to patients at the advanced stages of cancer and presents innovative solutions to navigate these complex issues. The first section explores physical challenges, with a focus on pain management, symptom control, and the intricacies of medication management. Psychological and emotional challenges, emphasizing the significance of coping with grief and loss, addressing anxiety and depression, and facilitating difficult conversations, while preserving patient dignity are explored. The ethical and moral dilemmas of end-of-life decision-making, advance care planning, and the imperative of maintaining patient dignity are discussed. Issues of effective communication, encompassing breaking bad news, facilitating challenging conversations, and managing family dynamics and conflicts are explored. Furthermore, the profound impact of end-stage cancer care on palliative care, emphasizing the risk of burnout and compassion fatigue are examined. Practices and solutions, showcasing innovative pain management techniques, psychosocial support interventions, ethics consultation services, communication skills training, and holistic approaches to end-of-life care are explained. These strategies not only alleviate patient suffering but also nurture the well-being of palliative care. Finally, the article touches on future directions and research needs, highlighting emerging trends in palliative care and areas requiring further investigation. The conclusion underscores the vital role of palliative care, emphasizing the importance of education, interdisciplinary collaboration, support, and research in achieving improved end-of-life care for cancer patients.