Identifying the Needs Based on the Patients' Performance Status for Palliative Care Team: An Observational Study

Area of Science:

• Palliative Care Medicine
• Geriatrics
• Oncology

Background:

• Patient performance status (PS) significantly influences healthcare needs.
• Palliative care teams (PCTs) aim to provide comprehensive support.
• Resource limitations in healthcare facilities necessitate efficient intervention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between patient performance status (PS) and the specific interventions delivered by palliative care teams (PCTs).
• To identify how differing PS levels correlate with the content of PCT interventions.
• To inform the development of tailored palliative care strategies for resource-limited settings.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of inpatient medical records (n=496) from a dedicated palliative care center.
• Data collected from patients admitted to PCT services between April 2017 and March 2019.
• Statistical analysis using Pearson's Chi-square test to compare PCT activities across different PS categories.

Main Results:

• Core PCT interventions (gastrointestinal symptoms, depression, staff support, nutrition, oral care) were consistently provided across all PS levels.
• Interventions for pain, respiratory symptoms, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, delirium, decision-making, family support, and rehabilitation were significantly associated with PS.
• PS3 patients received most PS-associated interventions (except anxiety, fatigue); PS4 patients received interventions for respiratory symptoms, delirium, and family support; good PS (0-1) patients received anxiety support.

Conclusions:

• Patient performance status is a critical determinant of specific palliative care needs.
• Intervention content delivered by PCTs varies significantly based on patient PS.
• These findings support the development of PS-specific palliative care interventions to enhance efficiency in resource-constrained environments.