Palliative care interventions on enhancing the quality of life for cancer patients in Trans-Nzoia County

Abstract

Amidst the escalating burden of cancer cases in Trans-Nzoia County and Kenya at large, this study addresses the critical issue of the deteriorating quality of life among cancer patients due to the taxing nature of medical treatments. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of palliative care interventions on the quality of life of cancer patients in Trans-Nzoia County by assessing the factors that promote the availability and accessibility of palliative care services, identifying the barriers to implementation, and evaluating the effectiveness of these interventions on the physical, emotional, and social well-being of patients. Through a descriptive research design, primary data were collected from 169 nurses at Kitale Level 5 Hospital using online surveys. The study employed descriptive statistics, including the mean, median, and mode, to analyze the collected data. Additionally, inferential analyses such as correlation and regression analysis, conducted using SPSS version 25, provided deeper insights into the relationships between variables. Notably, correlation analysis clarified the associations between the availability of palliative care, barriers, effectiveness, and patients' quality of life, while regression analysis facilitated the exploration of predictive relationships. The study identified factors enhancing accessibility to palliative care services, delineated barriers to implementation, and evaluated the interventions' effectiveness on patients' quality of life. While healthcare infrastructure and geographical accessibility were identified as promoting factors for palliative care interventions, affordability and government support emerged as significant concerns hindering equitable access. Furthermore, barriers such as inadequate training among healthcare professionals and financial constraints faced by patients were highlighted, emphasizing the complexity of delivering effective care. Despite these challenges, the study demonstrated the positive impact of palliative care interventions, with patients reporting improvements in symptom management, overall comfort levels, and emotional well-being. Key recommendations included the implementation of individualized care plans, adopting a multidisciplinary approach, and establishing mechanisms for continuous evaluation and improvement of palliative care services. By addressing these recommendations, stakeholders could strive to enhance the overall well-being of cancer patients in Trans-Nzoia County and inform broader healthcare strategies in Kenya, ultimately fostering a more compassionate and effective approach to palliative care delivery.