Transition to exclusive palliative care for women with breast cancer

• Main Authors: Audrei Castro Telles (Author), Paulo Alexandre de Souza São Bento (Author), Marléa Crescêncio Chagas (Author), Ana Beatriz Azevedo de Queiroz (Author), Nair Caroline Cavalcanti de Mendonça Bittencourt (Author), Marcelle Miranda da Silva (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Associação Brasileira de Enfermagem, 2021-07-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the perspectives that affect the transition to exclusive palliative care for women with breast cancer. Methods: qualitative, descriptive study, carried out in a public health institution in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, between December 2018 and May 2019. 28 health professionals were interviewed. Content analysis was used in the thematic modality. Results: the operational difficulties were linked to the fragmented physical structure, the late and unplanned nature of the referral, the ineffective communication, and the deficit of human resources. In general, women and family members resist referral because they do not know palliative care. There is no consensus among oncologists on the most appropriate time to stop systemic therapy for disease control. Final considerations: the perceived difficulties configure an abrupt referral, accompanied by false hopes and, often, limited to end-of-life care.

Item Description

1984-0446
10.1590/0034-7167-2020-1325