Palliative Care as an Approach to Enhancing Functional Sustainability: A Perspective from Cancer Patients in the Oncology Unit at Tripoli Medical Centre
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the perspectives of cancer patients on the expected role of palliative care as an approach to enhancing their functional sustainability. The study adopted a descriptive exploratory methodology, employing a single-item questionnaire to measure behavioral intentions toward functional sustainability. The questionnaire was administered to a purposive sample of oncology patients attending the oncology unit at Tripoli Medical Center (314 questionnaires were completed). The results revealed strong positive attitudes among the respondents, with the majority (agreeing and strongly agreeing) that the availability of palliative care services is a fundamental motivator for regaining their functional abilities. The study also revealed a latent waste of human capital that can be recovered through the activation of these services. The study recommended the inclusion of palliative care programs within Libya's sustainable development framework and emphasized the need for future, expanded studies encompassing the dimensions of ability, opportunity, and functional balance using comprehensive epidemiological samples.
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