Self care and end of life care in advanced cancer: literature review.
BACKGROUND
Self care is a key feature of health care policy in the UK. It has been suggested that self care by patients with cancer improves quality of life, symptom management, and patient satisfaction. However, little is known about self care and end of life care.


OBJECTIVE
This review sets out to find out what is known about how people experiencing end of life care manage their illness themselves, in the advanced stages of their disease.


METHODS
A systematic review was conducted; searching key databases; extracting relevant literature, using RefMan, NVIVO; grading, analysing, and appraising the literature.


RESULTS
Eighteen articles were included in the review. Themes identified were; interventions for end of life care; self care behaviours used by patients; factors that prevent patients to self care.


CONCLUSIONS
The nurses' role in supporting self care for people with advanced cancer is important. The review identifies various ways nurses can empower patients to self care related to oncology.
Johnston
Bridget
B
Cancer Care Research Centre, Department of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Stirling,Stirling University Innovation Park, Stirling, UK. bridget.johnston@stir.ac.uk
McGill
Maria
M
Milligan
Stuart
S
McElroy
Dorothy
D
Foster
Claire
C
Kearney
Nora
N
D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing / Q000628:therapy*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D018802:Patient-Centered Care; D012648:Self Care / Q000523:psychology; D012944:Social Support; D013727:Terminal Care