Difficulties and challenges encountered by trained medical workers when delivering palliative care to patients with cancer: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND: Palliative care is increasingly valued by the government, healthcare workers and the public in China. AIM: To explore the challenges trained medical workers encounter when delivering palliative care to patients with cancer in China. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were administered to 15 physicians and nurses, and Colaizzi's method was used for data analysis, synthesis and induction. FINDINGS: Three themes and seven subthemes were identified: (1) Lack of comprehensive support (department leaders' low enthusiasm, palliative care team shortage and insufficient funds), (2) Staff's perceived self-deficiency (including poor patient communication skills and insufficient time and energy), and (3) Pressure from patients' family members (family members requesting that the patient remain unaware and making treatment decisions on the patient's behalf). CONCLUSION: There are still challenges to overcome in the implementation process of palliative care, which is still in the development stage in China. The Chinese government is actively promoting relevant policies and regulations about palliative care and must work towards strengthening institutional improvement, legal protection, team building and public propaganda in the future.