Oncologists experience with second primary cancer screening: current practices and barriers and potential solutions.

Objectives: Screening for second primary cancer (SPC) is one of the key components of cancer survivorship care. The aim of the present study was to explore oncologists' experience with promoting second primary cancer screening.

Methods: Two focus group interviews were conducted with 12 oncologists of diverse backgrounds.

Determinants of the burden and positivity of family caregivers of terminally ill cancer patients in Korea.

Objective: Caregivers may experience positive or negative feelings about their role. The study investigated the determinants of the burden and positivity of family caregivers of Korean terminal cancer patients.

Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional survey was conducted with 139 family caregivers.

Quality of life and mental health in the bereaved family members of patients with terminal cancer.

Objective: This study specifically aimed to compare quality of life (QOL) and mental health in bereaved family members of patients with cancer with that of the general population and to examine factors associated with QOL and mental health in this population.

Design: A nationwide multicenter, cross-sectional survey was administered to the bereaved family members of patients with terminal cancer.

Setting: Thirty-three palliative care centers designated by the Ministry of Health and Welfare participated in this study.

What is the best practical survey method for the comparative assessment of palliative care services: results from a national quality assessment project in Korea.

Context: There is an increasing need for the comparative assessment of palliative care services; however, few systematic empirical studies have been performed to determine the most feasible, representative, efficient survey method.

Objectives: To investigate the feasibility, representativeness, and efficiency of several survey methods.

Methods: This study was performed as a part of a national initiative to develop a system to evaluate the quality of palliative care services.

Variations in process and outcome in inpatient palliative care services in Korea.

Purposes: Hospice programs in Korea have been largely based on volunteer activity, religious services, or social services. Recent government policy of designating medically based inpatient palliative care services and per diem payment system made it necessary to monitor the quality of these services. We examined the variation in the process and outcomes of palliative care services, using 2009 data obtained from the Korean Terminal Cancer Patient Information System.

Addressing the religious and spiritual needs of dying patients by healthcare staff in Korea: patient perspectives in a multi-religious Asian country.

Objective: We investigated how patients' spiritual and religious needs are addressed by healthcare staff in inpatient palliative care centers in Korea, a multi-religious country.

Methods: We performed a cross-sectional, multicenter survey of terminal cancer patients in inpatient palliative care centers.

Results: Approximately half (50.

Late referral to palliative care services in Korea.

Context: Although timely referral to palliative care services can help improve quality of life by minimizing patient and family suffering during a life-threatening illness, it remains unclear whether patients in Korea who suffer from advanced cancer are referred to palliative care services in a timely manner.

Objectives: We aimed to investigate the timeliness of patient referral to palliative care services in Korea by examining the duration of survival after enrollment and identify the factors contributing to earlier or later referral.

Methods: Patient- and episode-level data were collected from 3867 terminal cancer patients, who were registered in 34 inpatient palliative care services designated by the Ministry of Health, Welfare, and Family Affairs.