Table 2.

Thematic analysis table

Theme	Sub-theme	Description	Example of Participant Quote
Awareness and Understanding of Palliative Care	Limited Knowledge of Services	Uncertainty or misconceptions about what palliative care entails	“I assumed it was only for the final stage of life, so I didn’t think it was for me.” (P10)
	Role of Healthcare Professionals	The influence of physicians and nurses on educating and guiding patients	“My doctor explained that it’s not just for pain relief but overall support.” (P2)
Practical and Logistical Barriers	Financial and Insurance Constraints	Out-of-pocket expenses and coverage limitations affecting access	“I couldn’t afford extra nursing care at home, so I stopped the service.” (P11)
	Transportation and Mobility Challenges	Physical and geographic barriers to attending appointments or receiving care	“If my son can’t drive me, I often miss my follow-up visits.” (P4)
Sociocultural Influences on Care Decisions	Family Involvement and Decision-Making	The role of family members in endorsing or delaying palliative care use	“My children worried that palliative care meant giving up on treatment.” (P9)
	Cultural Perceptions of End-of-Life Care	Taboos around discussing death and seeking external help	“We believe we should care for elders at home, which can delay professional support.” (P14)
Quality of Interactions with Healthcare Providers	Consistency of Care and Follow-Up	How ongoing, coordinated care fosters trust and adherence to palliative services	“Seeing the same nurse or doctor each time gives me peace of mind.” (P12)
	Communication and Empathy	The extent to which providers offer emotional support and respect patient dignity	“I feel more inclined to continue treatment when they truly listen to me.” (P6)