Article Text
Abstract
Management of patients with inoperable oesophageal cancer is challenging. The challenges to quality of life among patients with advanced cancer of oesophagus require a detailed investigation. Experience has shown that patients with advanced cancer of the oesophagus, who have a gastrostomy tube, have many concerns including; physical, social, psychological and spiritual. Very little is known about the quality of life of patients with advanced cancer of oesophagus with a feeding gastrostomy in Mulago hospital. This study will attempt to investigate and document the factors affecting quality of life of patients with advanced cancer of oesophagus with a feeding gastrostomy tube in mulago hospital.
Methods Cross-sectional descriptive, qualitative study in Mulago hospital on patients with advanced cancer of the oesophagus, who are 18 years and above and have a feeding gastrostomy. Patients will be recruited until there is thematic saturation. Patients who are too unwell (unconscious) to participate will be excluded. The study will be compiled by end of June 2012 and will be ready for presentation in August.
Results The authors hope to identify physical, psychological, social and spiritual factors affecting quality of life of patients with advanced cancer of the oesophagus with feeding gastrostomy. Factors affecting the quality of life of patients with advanced cancer of oesophagus with a feeding gastrostomy in Mulago Hospital, will be established, and results will be used in future; In planning for management of Cancer of Oesophagus patients To improve health service delivery in cancer of oesophagus patients To increase public awareness The results will also be used for further studies.