ArticleBMC palliative care2025
Between host country and homeland: a grounded theory study on place of dying and death in migrant cancer patients.
Article in BMC palliative care, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
What it found
Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.
The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
2 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
5 authors.
Funding
Abstract
backgroundMigrant cancer patients face unique challenges in end-of-life decision-making. One key yet underexplored aspect is the decision-making process surrounding the place of dying and death. This study explores the factors influencing these decisions involving migrant cancer patients in Italy.
methodsA constructivist grounded theory approach was employed. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 28 participants (patients, family members, cultural mediators, and other key informants, some from a previous grounded theory study). Theoretical sampling guided participant selection for this study, and data analysis followed an iterative coding process, leading to the development of a conceptual model.
resultsThe decision-making process was conceptualized as a gradient field in which three forces interact to shape outcomes: (1) Healthcare as an Attracting/Holding Force-quality medical care in Italy encouraged patients to stay, though its influence diminished as curative treatments ended; (2) Bureaucratic and Financial Barriers as an Obstructing Force-challenges related to residency, access to care, and financial constraints often complicated decision-making, particularly for those considering repatriation; and (3) Social Networks as a Stabilizing Force-the strength of familial and community ties in host country and homeland played a decisive role in shaping preferences. A fundamental opacity about terminality was present, with limited communication and awareness regarding prognosis, further expanding the circle of decision-makers.
conclusionsPalliative care professionals should recognize the importance of transnational networks, consider bureaucratic barriers, and encourage open discussions regarding place of dying and death decision. To navigate these complexities, we propose a question guide for specialists during consultations. This tool aims to enhance culturally sensitive communication, promote shared decision-making, and address the challenges of cross-border end-of-life care. By accommodating transnational ties, palliative care services can better align with the realities of migrant cancer patients, fostering equitable and dignified end-of-life care.
Indexed as
Identifiers
What OpenQuestion holds
Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.