Initial Impressions and Review of Literature Concerning Factors Affecting the Use of Palliative Care Assessment Tools in an African Setting.
The philosophy of “whole person care” coupled with assessment of patients’ symptoms is the mainstay of modern palliative care. Uses of assessment tools increase the likelihood of meeting patients’ goals as well as improving symptom control.
Studies on development and utilization of assessment tools in palliative care have been carried out but none have been carried out on the factors affecting their use in the African setting. Lack of standardization in assessment of symptoms in palliative care pose a challenge for care providers in determining appropriate treatment.
There is often conflict between nurses and physicians regarding communicating patients’ health status and symptom management. Use of assessment tools identified by a palliative care team would minimize this conflict.
Cultural beliefs and parameters guide relationships and communication between health care workers, patients, families and the society in general. Kagawa-Singer, et al. found out that culture influences patients’ and community’s perception and satisfaction with symptoms control and quality of care being provided.
In this qualitative study, palliative care practitioners included doctors, clinical officers who are physicians’ assistants, social workers and nurses.
The participants have experience of working in palliative care settings for at least 3 months since this is adequate working duration to have used or discussed use of an assessment tool.
They have also attained a diploma in palliative care at least 3 months before the study commencement date. The participants are registered with their respective professional bodies.
Palliat Med Hosp Care Open J. 2015; 1(2): 44-49. doi: 10.17140/PMHCOJ-1-108
