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@article{185125,
        author = {UMAID FAROOQ},
        title = {EXPLORATION OF HOSPICES FOR PATIENTS WITH TERMINAL CANCER},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2025},
        volume = {12},
        number = {5},
        pages = {524-536},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=185125},
        abstract = {Hospice care represents a comprehensive, patient-centered approach designed to enhance comfort, dignity, and quality of life for individuals with terminal illnesses, particularly advanced cancer patients. Unlike curative medicine, hospice care focuses on addressing the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of patients during the final stages of life. This paper explores the evolution of hospice services, from their origins in the United Kingdom under Dame Cicely Saunders to their global recognition and integration into healthcare systems, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and emerging models in China.
The study emphasizes the diverse purposes of hospice services, including symptom relief, emotional counseling, caregiver support, and spiritual guidance. Special attention is given to advanced cancer patients, who often present with complex and multifaceted needs requiring individualized care planning. Evidence from existing research highlights persistent unmet needs, such as fatigue, anxiety, pain management, daily functioning, and gaps in spiritual or informational support. Current assessment tools, including the Need at the End-of-Life Screening Tool (NEST) and the Patient Needs Assessment in Palliative Care (PNAP), are reviewed for their effectiveness and limitations, underscoring the urgent requirement for culturally sensitive, adaptable instruments.
Additionally, the paper discusses ethical, cultural, and social dimensions of hospice care, recognizing the influence of beliefs, values, and family dynamics on end-of-life decision-making. Policy frameworks and healthcare strategies are examined to illustrate efforts in integrating hospice care into mainstream health systems. The conclusion argues that strengthening hospice services is not only a humanitarian imperative but also a critical public health priority, necessitating improved assessment tools, enhanced caregiver training, and broader community awareness.},
        keywords = {Hospice care, advanced cancer, palliative care, symptom management, caregiver support, cultural sensitivity, dynamics.},
        month = {October},
        }