What are patients' priorities for palliative care research? Focus group study.

Perkins, P; Barclay, S; Booth, S · Palliat Med · 2007

other · Level V

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Abstract

To elucidate the research priorities of palliative care patients we conducted focus groups with day therapy and hospice in-patients with cancer with an estimated prognosis of 6 months or less. Patients were positive about taking part in this research project identifying five main priorities for future research--talking with patients; help for patients and families; oncology; symptoms; medication/treatments. Patients gave great emphasis to communication issues and little to symptom control. A patient questionnaire was created with these themes which is currently being used in five hospices across East Anglia. This paper describes the qualitative component of the study.

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