Exploring the gender dimension of problems and needs of patients receiving specialist palliative care in a German palliative care unit - the perspectives of patients and healthcare professionals

BACKGROUND: Gender disparities of specific symptoms and problems have frequently been observed in palliative care patients, but research rarely focused on the range of problems and needs affected by gender.

METHODS: We conducted semi-structured interviews with patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs) of a hospital-based palliative care unit to examine gender effects on patients' problems and needs based on systematically gathered qualitative data. Content analysis was used to identify emerging themes with data coded using MAXQDA.

RESULTS: Ten patients (5 female, 5 male) and 17 HCPs (12 female, 5 male) were interviewed. Seven categories of gender-specific problems and needs emerged: "physical symptoms, care and body image", "psychological symptoms and emotional response", "interaction with the palliative care team", "use of professional supportive measures", "activation of informal social networks", "decision-making", and "preservation of autonomy and identity". Both patients and HCPs felt that female patients adopt more expressive coping strategies, have stronger need for communication with and support of HCPs, and activate an extended social network for support and decision-making. Further, both groups thought that male patients mainly rely on social support from partners, have higher expectations to be cared for at home, and have higher need for preservation of autonomy.

CONCLUSION: Gender relevantly impacts patients' problems and needs during palliative care. Therefore, gender-sensitive palliative care that acknowledges the patient's individual situation and respective ramifications are required.