Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma and palliative care: a scoping review

Abstract

BackgroundPatients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have specific palliative care needs owing to the influence of the disease on abdominal pain, jaundice, bleeding, appetite, ascites, liver function and hepatic encephalopathy. This research would help develop care models and identify knowledge gaps in the field.AimsTo identify the palliative care needs and experiences of patients with advanced HCC.MethodsCINAHL, EMBASE and MEDLINE were used to search English literature from January 1998 to March 2022 for ‘Palliative care’ and ‘Hepatocellular cancer’ using precise inclusion and exclusion criteria.ResultsThe retrieves identified 2710 records, including 33 studies used in our research. Two additional studies were grey items. Among 35 studies, 13 studies were performed in Asia, 11 studies in North America, 8 studies in Europe and 3 studies in Australia. Quantitative investigations were mostly descriptive or observational. Eight studies were conducted on a national scale, while two were in specific regions. 20 studies were conducted by a single institution. 22 studies focused only on patients, 2 on family caregivers and 2 on healthcare professionals. 2 more studies concentrated on patients and family caregivers, while 6 concentrated on patients and healthcare professionals.ConclusionsThis scoping study illustrates the complexity of advanced HCC treatment and challenges in modern healthcare systems. Formulating appropriate referral criteria, integrating and coordinating care, and assessing care contents are crucial. To enhance the treatment of patients with advanced HCC, it is important to understand the relationships between research and service design across teams, disciplines and care settings.

Effect of comprehensive nursing care for the liver cancer patients undergoing interventional therapy in China: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…Nurses are at the forefront of patient care, often navigating the intricate balance between medical management and the holistic well‐being of patients. Their unique position enables them to address not only the physical but also the emotional, psychological and social needs of liver cancer patients, which are often intensified during and after interventional therapies (Drott et al, 2022; Tian et al, 2022). This comprehensive care is crucial, as studies have highlighted how the symptoms of HCC and its treatments significantly impact patients' daily lives and overall health (Drott et al, 2022).…”