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- Title
The Geriatric Cancer Experience at the End of Life: Testing an Adapted Model.
- Authors
Buck, Harleah G.; Overcash, Janine; McMillan, Susan C.
- Abstract
Purpose/Objectives: To test an adapted end-of-life conceptual model of the geriatric cancer experience and provide evidence for the validity and reliability of the model for use in practice and research.Design: Nonexperimental and cross-sectional using baseline data collected within 24-72 hours of admission to hospice.Setting: Two hospices in the southeastern United States.Sample: 403 hospice homecare patients; 56% were men and 97% were Caucasian with a mean age of 77.7 years.Methods: Confirmatory factor analyses using structural equation modeling with AMOS™ statistical software.Main Research Variables: Clinical status; physiologic, psychological, and spiritual variables; and quality of life (QOL).Findings: A three-factor model with QOL as an outcome variable showed that 67% of the variability in QOL is explained by the patient's symptom and spiritual experiences.Conclusions: As symptoms and associated severity and distress increase, the patient's QOL decreases. As the spiritual experience increases (the expressed need for inspiration, spiritual activities, and religion), QOL also increases.Implications for Nursing: The model supports caring for the physical and metaphysical dimensions of the patient's life. It also highlights a need for holistic care inclusive of physical, emotional, and spiritual domains.
- Subjects
CONCEPTUAL models; HEALTH of older people; DISEASES in older people; GERIATRIC oncology; HEALTH of cancer patients; AGING; QUALITY of life; PATIENTS
- Publication
Oncology Nursing Forum, 2009, Vol 36, Issue 6, p664
- ISSN
0190-535X
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1188/09.ONF.664-673