Home parenteral nutrition: a qualitative interview study of the experiences of advanced cancer patients and their families

Abstract

Background & aim: The benefit of home parenteral nutrition (HPN) to advanced cancer patients is often debated and an evidence-base for parenteral nutrition (PN) in palliative care is lacking. The aim of this study is to investigate the experiences of HPN from the perspective of advanced cancer patients and their family members.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 advanced cancer patients with experience of HPN and 11 family members. The qualitative data was analyzed inductively using constant comparison.

Results: The most salient positive feature of HPN was a sense of relief and security that nutritional needs were met. This was said to have a direct and positive effect on quality of life and on body weight, level of energy, strength, and activity. Positive statements about HPN were often coupled to the benefits of being enrolled in advanced home care. The most salient negative effect of HPN described was related to restrictions in family life and social contacts for the whole family. However, benefits of the HPN treatment were generally said to outweigh negative aspects.

Conclusion: This study indicates that the interviewed cancer patients and their family members experienced physical, social and psychological benefits from HPN treatment.