Evaluation of Palliative Care Implementation for Patients with Cancer at General Hospital of Dr. Kariadi, Semarang

Abstract

The prevalence of cancers increased up to 53% from 2016 to 2018. Due to growing number of patients with cancer, palliative needs and end-of-life care also get increasing. Patients with cancer who received palliative care in 2017 were 3.42%. This shows that cancer patients are not fulfilled the needs during hospital treatment, and some oncology specialists still handle without consul to the palliative team. This study aims to evaluate of Palliative Care Implementation for patients with cancer at the General Hospital of Dr. Kariadi Semarang. Qualitative research through case study approach was utilized. Eight respondents were used as sample. In-depth interviews and document analyses were the instrumens used. The results show that no regulation is applied by palliative care teams, the organizational structure is not clear, the policy for palliative care is not integrated, and oncologists lack of commitment. Moreover, the funding for palliative team are not available, and the oncologists lack of collaboration and cooperation because they reluctantly refer a patient. The screening on standard assement is still inadequate for palliative patients with cancer. Moreover, there is no managerial supervision to follow up the palliative care. Education on patient prognosis delays because the doctor in charge do not give information as early as possible. Patient family feel satisfied about the palliative care for the psychological support and end-of-life care. In conclusion, the palliative care implementation at the General Hospital of Dr Kariadi has not been integrated with oncology services. The oncologists lack of commitment, collaboration, and communication with providers.