Clinician Perceptions of Palliative Care and its Role in Haematological Practice: An Exploratory Study in Ghana

Abstract

Background: Palliative care (PC) enhances quality of life for patients with life-limiting illnesses. Yet, its integration into haematology remains suboptimal in many settings. In Ghana, although palliative care services are gradually expanding, evidence on how haematologists perceive palliative care and its role within haematology practice remains limited. Understanding haematologists’ perceptions of PC is therefore critical to improving timely referral and promoting more holistic patient care for individuals with haematological malignancies. Objective: To explore haematologists’ perceptions of palliative care and its role in haematological practice in Ghana. Methods: An exploratory qualitative study was conducted at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana. Purposive sampling recruited 10 clinicians including haematologists, medical officers, and haematology residents with at least six months of experience in the haematology unit. Data was collected using semi-structured in-depth interviews and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Themes focused on conceptualizations of PC, perceived timing and role, and clinicians’ perceived value of PC. Participants demonstrated an adequate understanding of PC, recognizing it as multidisciplinary and supportive of both patients and families. While some clinicians associated PC primarily with end-of-life care, others acknowledged the importance of early integration alongside active treatment. The perceived value of PC included improving quality of life, managing complex symptoms beyond haematology expertise, and supporting psychological and family needs. Conclusion: Haematologists recognize the importance of palliative care but frequently associate it with end-of-life management, which may delay its timely integration into haematological care. Addressing this gap will require targeted clinician education on the role of early palliative care, the development of clear institutional referral pathways or clinical triggers, and stronger interdisciplinary collaboration between haematology and palliative care teams.