cancer-therapy-and-biomarkers-2016_tracks-abstracts

21 / 36

Volume 2, Issue 3(Suppl) Oncol Cancer Case Rep
ISSN: 2471-8556 an open access journal
Page 48
Notes:
Cancer Therapy & Biomarkers 2016
December 05-07, 2016
conferenceseries.com
CANCER THERAPY,
BIOMARKERS & CLINICAL RESEARCH
15th World Congress on
December 05-07, 2016 Philadelphia, USA
Decision-making of cancer patients about end-of-life: The lived experience
Angela Katrina G. Fonte and Rn Bs Man Smrin
Far Eastern University, Philippines
Understanding the perception of an end-stage cancer patient about end-of-life decision making can help the patient’s relatives,
healthcare providers, and the person himself or herself in attaining the best quality of life in their exit event. The aim of this
study is to deeply gain an understanding of the voice and feelings of stage 4 cancer patients in making decisions for end-of-life.
The study was conducted using a qualitative phenomenological approach. Five participants who are of sound mind and able to
make rational decisions shared their preferences. The participants were selected using a non-probability, criterion, purposive
sampling. Data were gathered through the use of a semi-structred interview. Four major themes emerged from the analysis of
the data. The themes were leaving protracted misery, divesting the burden, feeling of complacency and living in a former time.
These themes encircles mainly on the issue of cycle of suffering anf prolonging one’s agony with the use of life-saving measures
which can reduce the quality of life. Findings of the study revealed that end-of-life deision making is encapsulated with dif-
ferent factors which include physical discomfort and exhaustion, emotional distress, spiritual dilemma and financial burden.
Recommendations include educational training for nurses about end-of-life care and discussion of ethical issues, culturally
competent care, and management of patients who are facing end-of-life decision making. It is also recommended that physi-
cians should take the lead and explore the end-of-life preferences of patients and their families.
Biography
Angela Katrina G. Fonte is a Philippine Registered Nurse. She completed Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the Far Eastern University Manila, in the year 2010 and
earned Master of Arts in Nursing Major in Medical-Surgical, year 2015 at the same university. As a passionate and dedicated registered nurse, she practice critical
care nursing for more than two years at Marikina Valley Medical Center and later joined Asian Hospital and Medical Center in their Medical-Surgical Intensive Care
Unit. She is a Fellow of the Royal Institute of Nurses, Singapore.
Angela Katrina G et al., Oncol Cancer Case Rep 2016,2:3(Suppl)