title: How problematic are various aspects of quality of life in patients with cancer at the end of life?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To identify aspects of quality of life (QOL) in patients receiving end-of-life care that are most and least problematic for patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Descriptive using secondary analysis of data from an earlier QOL study.
  
  
  METHODS
  A large not-for-profit hospice that primarily provides home care in southwest Florida.
  
  
  METHODS
  231 homecare hospice patients with cancer.
  
  
  METHODS
  Item analysis of items on the Hospice Quality-of-Life Index.
  
  
  METHODS
  Psychophysiologic, functional, and social/spiritual well-being.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Patients had the most problems in the area of functional well-being and the least problems with social/spiritual well-being. Most common physical problems included constipation and dyspnea.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Patients with end-stage cancer are able to maintain their relationships with God and with family and friends even in the face of marked functional difficulties and troublesome physical symptoms.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A continued focus on the patient and family by the interdisciplinary healthcare team is warranted.
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, University of South Florida, Tampa, USA. smcmilla@com1.med.usf.edu
authors.forename: S C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: McMillan
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Weitzner
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012069:Religion and Psychology; D012944:Social Support; D013727:Terminal Care