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11 – 20 of over 1000Panita Krongyuth, Pimpan Silpasuwan, Chukiat Viwatwongkasem and Cathy Campbell
The purpose of this paper is to explore the needs of people with cancer in advanced stages and to analyze factors that influence them.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the needs of people with cancer in advanced stages and to analyze factors that influence them.
Design/methodology/approach
A concurrent mixed-method design was used. Descriptive design was conducted in Ubon Ratchathani Province, Thailand. Data were collected from a convenience sample of patients with advanced cancer of any tissue or organ. Questionnaires were completed by 110 patients aged 60 years and above (response rate 110/130=84.6 percent). In-depth interviews were conducted with a total of eight patients. Content analysis of semi-structured interviews of a sub-sample was subsequently performed to better understand the real needs of patients with advanced stages of cancer at home setting.
Findings
The majority (77.5 percent) reported a preference to spend their final days at home. The four most common palliative care needs were more information about disease and medical treatment (98.2 percent), more treatment for pain (97.3 percent), health education for family caregivers (95.5 percent) and health volunteers visit at home (95.5 percent). Content analysis of the qualitative data suggested that patient needs health care providers to deliver open communication, pain management and provide psychosocial supports.
Originality/value
The result showed that patients-related variables are associated with the palliative care needs in patients with advanced stages of cancer. Communication skills and pain management are the key components to support the need for palliative care at home and to benefit the quality of life in terminally ill patients.
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Nikolaos Efstathiou, Anna Lock, Suha Ahmed, Linda Parkes, Tammy Davies and Susan Law
Following the development of a service that consisted of a “single point of contact” to coordinate end-of-life care (EoLC), including EoLC facilitators and an urgent response…
Abstract
Purpose
Following the development of a service that consisted of a “single point of contact” to coordinate end-of-life care (EoLC), including EoLC facilitators and an urgent response team, we aimed to explore whether the provision of coordinated EoLC would support patients being cared or dying in their preferred place and avoid unwanted hospital admissions.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a realist evaluation approach, the authors examined “what worked for whom, how, in what circumstances and why”. Multiple data were collected, including activity/performance indicators, observations of management meetings, documents, satisfaction survey and 30 interviews with service providers and users.
Findings
Advance care planning (ACP) increased through the first three years of the service (from 45% to 83%) and on average 74% of patients achieved preferred place of death. More than 70% of patients avoided an emergency or unplanned hospital admission in their last month of life. The mechanisms and context identified as driving forces of the service included: 7/7 single point of contact; coordinating services across providers; recruiting and developing the workforce; understanding and clarifying new roles; and managing expectations.
Research limitations/implications
This was a service evaluation and the outcomes are related to the specific context and mechanisms. However, findings can be transferable to similar settings.
Practical implications
“Single point of contact” services that offer coordinated EoLC can contribute in supporting people to be cared and die in their preferred place.
Originality/value
This paper provides an evaluation of a novel approach to EoLC and creates a set of hypotheses that could be further tested in similar services in the future.
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Abstract
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To meet the multidimensional needs of patients, health services are increasingly implementing complex programmes of care through partnerships between public, private and voluntary…
Abstract
Purpose
To meet the multidimensional needs of patients, health services are increasingly implementing complex programmes of care through partnerships between public, private and voluntary sector organisations. The purpose of this paper is to explore the implementation process of a complex, multi-innovative regional health and social care partnership to coordinate end-of-life care in the South East of England.
Design/methodology/approach
The study adopted a pragmatic, pluralist design using primarily qualitative methods including observations, interviews, focus group and document review. Implementation theory provided the research framework.
Findings
While progress was made towards greater collaboration in the provision of end-of-life care, regional coordination of care among the 13 partner organisations was not achieved as envisioned. Low engagement stemming from national health system changes delayed decision making and shifted partners’ priorities. Individual stakeholder interest and motivation carried the elements that were successful.
Practical implications
The external political and economic environment hindered the involvement of some of the partners and suggests that a concept of “project resiliency” is particularly important for complex, multi-organisational projects which are implemented over time and by multiple stakeholders from different sectors. Future research should look further at what contributes to project resiliency and whether it might be operationalized so that projects can develop resilient factors for success.
Originality/value
Project resiliency is a new concept that bridges a gap in understanding how time-limited multi-organisational projects function amid a changing environment.
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Sharyn Rundle-Thiele, Sarah-Louise Mitchell, Zoe Lee and Fran Hyde
Social impact research remains in its infancy. The purpose of the paper is to build on Keeling and Marshall’s (2022) “Call for impact” paper and develop a comprehensive social…
Abstract
Purpose
Social impact research remains in its infancy. The purpose of the paper is to build on Keeling and Marshall’s (2022) “Call for impact” paper and develop a comprehensive social impact pathway (SIP) framework. The aim is to encourage marketing researchers, non-profits and corporations to pursue impactful work that is valued, planned, monitored and evaluated.
Design/methodology/approach
The conceptual paper explores the complexities of estimating social impact drawing from a range of illustrative cases.
Findings
The paper identifies a lack of clarity in the understanding and application of impact and presents a pathway aimed at increasing focus on social impact across future work to deliver the net-positive changes that are needed to reverse biodiversity decline, climate change and social and health inequalities that continue to be persist and be experienced by so many planet wide.
Research limitations/implications
This paper contributes a pathway forward to encourage and support increased utilisation of the framework in future marketing research.
Practical implications
Mapping and measuring SIPs are concerted efforts directing understanding towards identifying the activities that are contributing to the delivery of outputs that can achieve intended outcomes. The measurement of impact directs investment towards activities that ensure net-positive gains are achieved.
Social implications
Ever growing social inequities, health disparities, loss of biodiversity and environmental degradation occur when practices are left unchecked. A focus on impact avoids greenwashing practices, ensuring that an understanding of what has changed because of the work is transparently reported.
Originality/value
This paper aims to encourage marketing researchers to engage in social change projects, rather than solely disseminating academic findings. Emphasising the importance of an outside-in approach, this paper highlights the necessity of showcasing accumulated outcomes to demonstrate impact.
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The purpose of this paper is to explore attitudes towards euthanasia among Ugandan adults.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore attitudes towards euthanasia among Ugandan adults.
Design/methodology/approach
This is an important study because data were recently collected in 2010. The sample consists of 80 participants above age 18 who responded to an interview schedule exploring attitudes towards euthanasia. A qualitative approach was utilized to analyze the findings.
Findings
Unique to this study is the fact that almost all participants (96 percent) perceived euthanasia as murder. Religious beliefs, hope for recovery, potential for new medical technologies, health care costs, quality of life, and the right to die are some of the themes that influenced attitudes towards euthanasia. Religious and cultural beliefs appear to be the major influential factors for euthanasia attitudes in this study.
Originality/value
Generated information may assist in formulating end of life policies as well as addressing related ethical issues in low income nations. Currently, information on attitudes towards euthanasia in sub‐Sahara African countries is scarce in the literature. The paper's findings may increase knowledge in this area.
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This paper aims to provide an overview and viewpoint on current international initiatives relating to the human rights of older people.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to provide an overview and viewpoint on current international initiatives relating to the human rights of older people.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper provides a review of recent and current developments in relation to the human rights of older people and some discussion of these issues.
Findings
In addition to the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, there are separate conventions on the rights of women, children and persons with disabilities. However, there is currently no universal, binding legal instrument on the human rights of older people, although work is in progress at international level in an attempt to remedy this lack.
Research limitations/implications
This brief paper aims to provide an overview of a complex current issue for those not familiar with the topic, so it is not able to provide an in-depth analysis of the topic.
Practical implications
Social workers and other human services professionals, particularly those who work with older adults, including those working in the health-care sector, should have knowledge and understanding about this important issue.
Social implications
Many older people face inequalities that result from existing gaps in the protection of their rights. This includes issues relating to Intersecting forms of discrimination that adversely affect some older adults. Individuals should be able to age with dignity so they can lead dignified, self-determined and secure lives – and need protection of their human rights to enable them to do so.
Originality/value
This paper provides a viewpoint on current international initiatives concerning the human rights of older people.
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