Lived experiences of patients with esopgageal cancer attending palliative care at clinic at Zomba Central Hospital
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Date
2020-06-11
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kamuzu University of Health Sciences
Abstract
Type of Research
Lived experiences of patients with oesophageal cancer attending palliative care clinic at Zomba
Central Hospital.
Problem
Oesophageal Cancer (OC) is one of the most serious gastrointestinal cancer in Malawi, owing
to its rapid development and fatal prognosis in most cases (Mchembe, Rambu, & Chalya,
2013). In Malawi, Zomba Central Hospital is one of the referral hospitals in the eastern part of
Malawi with high burden of oesophageal cancer. (Mathiass & Christliches, 2015). Most of the
patients with oesophageal cancer at Zomba Central Hospital are diagnosed late while the cancer
has already metastasised and palliation is the only option for these patients. Literature suggests
that understanding the experiences of patients living with oesophageal cancer and are on
palliative care is very important as it provides strategies for caring these patients. (Yeh Lee &
Pilkington, 2014) . The proposed study therefore aims to explore how patients diagnosed with
oesophageal cancer experience living with the incurable disease. The results of the study will
provide insight and understanding of the patient’s situation, reality and phenomenon in their
life world. The knowledge will help to meet the patients need for care and psychosocial support.
Specific Objectives
• To describe the experience regarding the diagnosis of oesophageal cancer.
• To discuss the care, support and treatment offered to patients after the diagnosis
of oesophageal cancer.
• To identify the challenges faced by patients living with oesophageal cancer.
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Proposal Version 3: May 6, 2020
Methodology
The researcher proposes a qualitative descriptive design and it will follow a qualitative
naturalistic approach (Polit & Beck, 2014). The research will be conducted at Zomba Central
Hospital Palliative Care Clinic. Fifteen patients diagnosed with oesophageal cancer will be
selected using purposive sampling technique to participate in the study. Data will be collected
through in-depth interview using an interview guide and it will be recorded using an audio tape
recorder. The recorded data will be analysed using Braun and Crake 2006 thematic analysis
approach. Ethical approval will be sought from the College of Medicine Research and Ethics
Committee (COMREC) and permission from the director of Zomba Central Hospital (ZCH) to
conduct the study at Zomba Central Hospital palliative care clinic. Participants will be
informed that participation is voluntary and informed consent will be obtained through signing
of consent forms. Privacy and confidentiality will be ensured.
Expected findings
The findings of this study will help nurses to have a rich understanding of the experience of
patients living with incurable oesophageal cancer. It will provide knowledge about the
problems and concerns patients encounter in their day to day life. The information will also
help the ministry of health to develop improved supportive nursing care of patients living with
oesophageal cancer.
Dissemination
Results of the study findings will be presented to academic staff at Kamuzu College of Nursing.
The findings will also be presented to Zomba Central Hospital staff. A copy of the thesis will
be sent to College of Medicine Ethical Committee being the ethical board ensuring ethical
guidelines. Other copies will be sent to Palliative Care Association of Malawi (PCAM). The
11-Jun-2020viii results will also be published in Nursing and Midwifery Journals. In addition, the results will
be presented at conferences both locally as well as international