Changes in perceived distress among patients receiving inpatient palliative care

Understanding the impact of palliative care on patient outcomes is crucial for enhancing end-of-life care.

This study aimed to examine changes in perceived distress among patients receiving inpatient palliative care.

In this retrospective cohort study, data were collected from a palliative care unit in central Taiwan between January and December 2021. Patients were categorized into "survived to discharge" and "non-survivor" groups based on discharge status. The Symptom Assessment Scale (SAS) was used to measure subjective distress daily during hospitalization. SAS scores on the admission day were compared to days 3 and 7, with changes analyzed using the chi-square test.

A total of 191 patients were included in the study. Significant differences in symptom intensity changes were observed for sleep disturbance, appetite problems, bowel issues, breathing difficulties, fatigue, and pain during the first week of hospitalization. In the "non-survivor" group, improvements in pain were noted over time; however, distress related to appetite, bowel function, and fatigue worsened. Conversely, the "survived to discharge" group showed continuous improvement in sleep disturbance and breathing distress throughout the hospitalization period.

This study offers insights into how inpatient palliative care differentially influences perceived distress based on patients' end-of-life stage. Enhancements in palliative care approaches are needed to more comprehensively support patients, particularly those nearing the end of life.