RESEARCH ON THE ROLE OF KISUMU HOSPICE IN PALLIATIVE CARE OF CANCER PATIENTS IN KISUMU

Abstract

Kisumu Hospice, established in 1998, has been a cornerstone of palliative care for cancer patients in Kisumu County, Kenya. Initially operating from a small room in the former Nyanza Provincial Hospital, it has since expanded to a larger facility within the JOOTRH complex, serving the Nyanza region's population of approximately 5 million. This study aimed to evaluate the role of Kisumu Hospice in improving the quality of life for cancer patients, specifically focusing on symptom control, psychosocial support, and end-of-life care. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining both qualitative and quantitative data. Quantitative data were drawn from medical records, while qualitative insights were gathered through interviews with patients and healthcare providers. The study found that the hospice provides essential services, with 80% of respondents receiving pain management, 65% receiving psychological support, and 55% benefiting from spiritual support. However, challenges such as financial constraints (30%), understaffing, and geographical barriers (20%) were identified as significant limitations in service delivery. The majority of patients (70%) reported satisfaction with the hospice’s care, though access to services was hindered for some due to financial and sociocultural factors. The findings highlight the crucial role of Kisumu Hospice in alleviating symptoms and providing emotional and spiritual care for cancer patients. However, the study also underscores the need for increased staffing, financial support, and expanded community awareness initiatives to address these challenges and enhance service delivery. This research contributes valuable evidence to the growing body of knowledge on the impact of hospice care in Kenya and offers recommendations for policy and practice improvements to better serve cancer patients in resource-limited settings