Qualitative findings on the experience of end-of-life care for hematological malignancies

Abstract

There is a loud silence in the literature on the issues related to palliative care for hematological malignancies. This article presents information that begins to address that silence. The limited research that is available indicates that, to date, patients with a hematological malignancy and their families received scant attention with regards to the provision of palliative care. The findings presented in this article demonstrates that families are enduring considerable hardship and are left with much emotional pain and many unresolved issues when such care is not offered. It is hoped that the findings presented in this article will be used for developing effective strategies to ensure that patients with hematological malignancies and their families, no less than any others, can be afforded the dignity and respect that the appropriate provision of palliative services ensures.