ACEPAC Study ? Australian Chinese patient’s Experiences of Palliative Care Services

Background: Australia is a multicultural country that consists of a diverse population. It can be difficult to provide equal healthcare services across all ethnicities due to cultural disparities. This is seen amongst Australian Chinese to under-utilize healthcare services such as palliative care. Objective: This study aimed to explore the Australian Chinese’s understanding of palliative care service and on their end-of-life care preferences so that suitable support and services that are culturally appropriate could be delivered to them. Methods: Participants were recruited from two Chinese cancer support group organizations in Sydney to complete a self-reported questionnaire on their understanding of palliative and end-of-life care preferences. 41 Chinese participants were recruited from four support group sessions. Results: Seven themes were explored. The majority of participants understood the role of palliative care and would accept the service. They favored being informed about the nature of their condition even during advanced stages. Many preferred making decisions for their own treatment but highly valued the advice from doctors and family members. Most participants were open to discuss issues related to death and dying and the need for interpreter services was highlighted. They viewed that nutrition and hydration as necessity during end-of-life and many believed in a combined regimen of western and alternative therapy to treat their condition. Conclusion: This study shows that Australian Chinese understand the role of palliative care. Changes in perception in areas such as disclosure of the truth of a disease and openness in discussing issues related to death and dying are highlighted. Traditional Chinese values still play a role in shaping their attitudes regarding decision-making and hydration and nutrition during end-of-life care. Further research to explore the generalisability of these results is warranted.