Objective: to determine expectations from scientific research of nurses and of advanced cancer patients in palliative care units.
Method: case studies questionnaires were presented to nurses and patients. Questions were answered in writing by nurses and orally completed by patients. Study case A was about including patients with advanced cancer in a study on pharmacological treatment of cachexia. Study case B was about including cognitively impaired patients in a study on pharmacological treatment of delirium. Number of patients with cognitive failure, poor general condition and refusing to participate to the study were also collected.
Results: 13/19 nurses (68%) responded to the questionnaire. Study case A: 12/13 nurses considered that the patient should accept to enter protocol. Favourable arguments were improvement of symptoms and quality of life as well as the possibility for the patient to withdraw anytime. 7/12 nurses (58%) mentioned the perspective to improve future care. 10/12 nurses would personally accept to enter the study. Study case B: 8/13 nurses considered the spouse should accept inclusion in the protocol. Favourable arguments were similar. 3/8 nurses (38%) mentioned the perspective to improve future care. Arguments against inclusion were that the patient couldn't decide himself, the possibility of side effects and the burden of assessment. 7/13 nurses would personally accept to enter the study. Patients answers and qualitative data will be analysed for the meeting.
Conclusions: most nurses involved in palliative care are favourable to consider scientific research providing patients can decide themselves and if the main goal of the protocol is to improve their symptoms.