Perceptions Of Oncologists About Compassion In End-Of-Life Care: A Qualitative Study

1.     Given the increasing incidence of Cancer in India, with Oncologists being the primary health care providers, are involved in important decision-making processes about End-of-life care for cancer patients and their family members. Compassion in end-of-life care during the last few months of a person’s life plays an important role in improving their quality of life and caring for individuals with cancer who are terminally ill has been one of the most demanding and stressful health care professions. Since there is minimal literature concerning Compassion in relation to Oncologists and how their views and understanding of the same may affect their delivery of end-of-life care treatment, it is of paramount importance to explore the perceptions of Oncologists about compassion in End-of-Life care. The perceptions associated with delivering Compassion in End-of-Life Cancer care haven’t been explored sufficiently among Oncologists and hence, this study will help develop psychological interventions, if needed, tailored to improve Oncologists’ quality of life so they can better their delivery of End-of-Life care for individuals with terminal Cancer.