Abstract
Background: Rehabilitation and palliative care for advanced/terminal cancer patients share a same goal of enhancing patients' quality of life (QOL). Aim: The aim of this study was to identify the patients' narratives during the rehabilitation session, by analyzing words reflecting their ideas and hopes. Method: Out of forty-seven advanced/terminal patients' narratives during the rehabilitation session from April through September in 2011, the rehabilitation therapists recollected the impressive words. Then, the words were grouped into four categories of "total pain" concept by their meanings. Result: Out of a total of 215 words identified, 60% was grouped into physical aspect, 14% into psychological, 10% into social, 7% into spiritual and 9% into mixed aspects. Discussion: If rehabilitation therapists only deal with physical aspects of enhancing their QOL, 40% of patients' wishes will be ignored. Conclusion: Rehabilitation for advanced/terminal cancer patients might need multidimensional interventions with a concept of "total pain".
