Qualitative study on cancer patients agonal judge of medical staff

VernacularTitle:医护人员判断癌症患者濒死期的质性研究
Author: Ruzhen ZHOU ¹ ; Haixia WANG ; Lingjun ZHOU ; Jijun ZHAO
Author Information

1. 第二军医大学附属长海医院护理部
Keywords: Cancer patients; Agonal stage; Hospice care; Qualitative research; Symptoms of dying
From: Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2016;22(3):301-304
CountryChina
Language:Chinese
Abstract: Objective To explore what symptoms which the medical staff judged from determination of agonal symptoms in cancer patients. Methods Focus group interview was conducted by 3 groups, 5 people in each group in appropriate time and place at May 2015. The interview was conducted around the theme of"how to judge the advanced cancer patients in dying". Results Agonal patients often showed changes in 7 aspects by content analyzing included pain, "the last radiance of the setting sun", consciousness, breathing patterns, blood circulation, intake and output volume and functional status. Besides, the instinct and experience of medical staff was another determinant. Conclusions Medical staff members have their qualitative understanding on evaluating when cancer patients are agonal. Changes in some symptoms before death can provide references for evaluating survival time.