pancreatic cancer palliative
Conditions
Interventions
Group 1: Here is the English translation for sections 1 and 2, optimized for the DRKS application fields:1. Study Flow1.Phase 1: Semi-structured Guideline Interviews:Months 1–6.Guideline-based intervi
Sponsors
Klinik für Palliativmedizin
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: Inclusion Criteria For patients (Phases 1, 2, and 3): Histologically confirmed exocrine pancreatic cancer. Age greater than or equal to 18 years. Sufficient proficiency in the German language to actively participate in an interview or focus group discussion lasting approximately 30 minutes. Provision of written informed consent for study participation and audio recording. For healthcare professionals and patient advocates (Phase 2 only): 5. Employment as a physician or nurse in the fields of oncology, visceral surgery, or palliative care with experience in treating pancreatic cancer patients OR holding an active role in an oncological patient support organization.
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: For all potential participants: Severe cognitive impairment, manifest dementia, or acute psychiatric disorders that preclude informed consent or focused participation in a conversation. Diagnosed neuroendocrine tumors (NET) of the pancreas (as the study explicitly focuses on exocrine pancreatic cancer). Acute severe physical instability or end-of-life stage (based on clinical judgment if the burden of a 30-minute interview is deemed too high for the patient).
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Perception and associations of the term "palliative care": Qualitative assessment and categorization of subjective perceptions, misconceptions, and stigma among patients with exocrine pancreatic cancer using structuring qualitative content analysis. Preferences in palliative care communication: Identification of the preferred framework for the initial conversation (Who should initiate? At what point/turning point of the illness? In which setting?). Communication barriers: Exploration of patient-side inhibiting factors (e.g., anxiety, threat to hope) that prevent open communication about palliative care services. | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Development and formulation of a screening question: Generation of a concrete, systematically co-designed question to capture the subjective need for a palliative care consultation within a bio-psycho-social screening framework. Evaluation of comprehensibility (Pretesting): Assessment of cognitive barriers and the acceptance of this screening question by patients within cognitive interviews. | — |
Countries
Germany
Contacts
Public ContactChristina Gerlach
Klinik für Palliativmedizin
Outcome results
None listed