Experiences of People with Advanced Cancer in Home-Based Palliative Care

People with advanced cancer who are receiving palliative care at home has increased dramatically in Thailand. The aims of this study were to explore the experiences of people with advanced cancer in home-based palliative care and to study and inform caregiving for them. A qualitative approach was employed using a phenomenological investigation of people with advanced cancer with data gathered from 2011 to 2012. There were seven participants engaged through multiple in-depth interviews. In addition, their family caregivers, and five public health nurses provided perspectives on caregiving through focus group discussions. Three main themes emerged: 1). 'State of being', experience facing the end of life. 2). 'Quality of life', experience of life satisfaction and satisfaction with care; and 3) 'Compassionate care in the Buddhist view', a holistic approach through caregiver assistance, resources and supplies. Palliative care experiences served to enhance the quality of life for people with advanced cancer through a culturally-appropriate, holistic approach of family and nursing care. This study shows how persons with cancer and their relatives faced end of life crises while fighting to maintain peace and dignity. Sufferers' life experiences and how caregivers helped people with advanced cancer deal with their cancer, suffering, and enabled them to have a better quality of life.