Benefits of integrating palliative care: a qualitative exploration of the perspectives of palliative care providers in a tertiary health facility in Ghana

Abstract

Background: Integration of palliative care (PC) services entails combining administrative, organisational, clinical and service elements to ensure continuity of care between all parties participating in the care network of patients. There is a need to understand the benefits of integrating PC to inform policy making and advance advocacy, especially in resource-constrained settings such as Ghana where PC is sub-optimally implemented. Yet, existing research in Ghana is sparse on what benefits are likely to be experienced as a result of integrating PC. Objective: The study explored service providers’ perspectives on the benefits of integrating PC in Ghana. Design: The design was an exploratory descriptive qualitative research design. Methods: A total of seven in-depth interviews were conducted using semi-structured interview guides. The data were managed using NVivo-12. Inductive thematic analysis was carried out following Haase’s modification of Colaizzi’s approach to qualitative research analysis. The study follows the COREQ guidelines and the ICMJE recommendations. Result: Two main themes emerged: patient-related outcomes, and system/institution-related outcomes. For the patient-related outcomes, the following sub-themes emerged: restored hope, appreciated care and better preparation for the end of life (EoL). The emerging sub-themes under the system/institution-related outcomes include the following: early initiation of care, enhanced communication between primary healthcare providers and the PC team and strengthening staff capacity to provide PC services. Conclusion: In conclusion, there are substantial benefits to be experienced from integrating PC. For the patients, it would restore shattered hopes, result in appreciated care and better preparation for the EoL. For the healthcare system, it would promote early initiation of care, enhance communication between primary healthcare providers and the PC team and strengthen service providers’ capacity to provide PC services. This study, thus, furthers the case for a more integrated PC service in Ghana.

‘Completely by accident’: a qualitative analysis of service providers motivations to practice palliative care

“…a resident with a family medicine background who is specializing in palliative care), general nurse, clinical psychologist and a social worker. 5 The selection criteria for recruitment included two key factors: (a) being a member of the palliative care team at KBTH and (b) having a minimum of 2 years of experience in the field of palliative care. 5 By selecting participants who met these inclusion criteria, the study aimed to gather insights and perspectives from experienced palliative care professionals within the specific context of KBTH’s palliative care unit.…”

“…5 The selection criteria for recruitment included two key factors: (a) being a member of the palliative care team at KBTH and (b) having a minimum of 2 years of experience in the field of palliative care. 5 By selecting participants who met these inclusion criteria, the study aimed to gather insights and perspectives from experienced palliative care professionals within the specific context of KBTH’s palliative care unit. The study participants had all received a 6-week intensive training from the Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care in Africa, based in Kampala, Uganda.…”

“…The study participants had all received a 6-week intensive training from the Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care in Africa, based in Kampala, Uganda. 5…”

“…3 This approach involves the identification and early treatment of pain, along with addressing psychological and spiritual symptoms that may arise in the context of terminal illness. 4–7…”