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[Integration and utilization of physiotherapy in hospice and palliative care : A survey on clinical practice in
K Woitha1, N Schneider2, A Wünsch1
1Institut für Allgemeinmedizin, Arbeitsgruppe Palliativversorgung, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover (MHH), Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Deutschland.
Background:
Palliative care is an approach that improves the quality of life of patients with incurable and progressive illnesses; therefore, in these situations physiotherapy can play an important role.
Aim:
This study was carried out to examine the integration and utilization of physiotherapy in palliative and hospice care services in Germany.
Methods:
A cross-sectional survey including all palliative care units, specialized outpatient palliative care teams and hospices in Germany (n = 680) in 2013 was carried out.
Results:
The response rate was 43.5 % (n = 296). Physiotherapy is predominantly applied in palliative care units (79 %) but rarely in hospices (38 %) and outpatient palliative care teams (30 %). A structured physiotherapeutic assessment is rarely carried out even on palliative care units (26 %). Positive effects of physiotherapy are especially described for symptoms, such as edema, pain, constipation and dyspnea.
Conclusion:
Despite its significant potential to relieve symptoms, physiotherapy is not systematically integrated into palliative care practice in Germany.
