INTRODUCTION:
Integration of palliative care (PC) in cancer is key in improving the quality-of-life of patients. Yet, there is a dearth of empirical evidence of this in Ghana. This study explored the perspectives of frontline stakeholders about navigating PC integration in Ghana.

METHODS:
This qualitative study conducted 13 interviews with service providers (7), patients (4), and caregivers (2). An inductive thematic analysis was carried out. Data were managed using QSR NVivo 12.

RESULTS:
The study showed that PC integration included the integration of care dimensions (physical, psychosocial, and existential). The facilitating factors included availability of PC team, availability of staff capacity building, enabling attitudes of service providers, family support, incorporation of PC in medical school curriculum and knowledge level of service providers. There were patient-level barriers (denial of the primary diagnosis and understanding of PC and financial constraints), service provider–level barriers (healthcare providers’ misunderstanding of PC and late referrals), and institutional/policy-level barriers (infrastructural and logistical constraints, non-inclusion of PC in the national health insurance scheme, low staff strength). Integrating PC in cancer management resulted in restored hope; better pain and symptoms management; appreciated care; early initiation of care, enhanced communication between primary healthcare providers and the PC team and strengthening staff capacity to provide PC services.

CONCLUSIONS:
There is a need for Ghana to develop comprehensive guidelines and protocols for the integration of PC. These guidelines should address the various levels of barriers. The findings underscore a need to include PC services and medication in the benefits package of the health insurance scheme to reduce the financial burden on patients and their families. In addition, continuous professional training of all cadres of service providers is needed to facilitate PC integration.