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Updated: Mar 19, 2026
A Novel Approach for the Administration of Medications and Fluids in Emergency Scenarios and Settings
Published on: November 9, 2016
Cancer patients, emergencies service and provision of palliative care
Bruno Miranda1, Suely Arruda Vidal2, Maria Júlia Gonçalves de Mello3
1Instituto de Medicina Integral Professor Fernando Figueira, Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira, Medical Oncology Residency Program, Recife PE , Brazil, MSc in Palliative Care - Physician and Instructor of the Medical Oncology Residency Program at Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira (Imip), Recife, PE, Brazil.
Objective:
To describe the clinical and sociodemographic profile of cancer patients admitted to the Emergency Center for High Complexity Oncologic Assistance, observing the coverage of palliative and home care.
Method:
Cross sectional study including adult cancer patients admitted to the emergency service (September-December/2011) with a minimum length of hospital stay of two hours. Student's t-test and Pearson chi-square test were used to compare the means.
Results:
191 patients were enrolled, 47.6% elderly, 64.4% women, 75.4% from the city of Recife and greater area. The symptom prevalent at admission was pain (46.6%). 4.2% of patients were linked to palliative care and 2.1% to home care. The most prevalent cancers: cervix (18.3%), breast (13.6%) and prostate (10.5%); 70.7% were in advanced stages (IV, 47.1%); 39.4% without any cancer therapy.
Conclusion:
Patients sought the emergency service on account of pain, probably due to the incipient coverage of palliative and home care. These actions should be included to oncologic therapy as soon as possible to minimize the suffering of the patient/family and integrate the skills of oncologists and emergency professionals.
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