Physiotherapy Intervention for Promoting Comfort in Palliative Care Patients: A Focus Group Study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Palliative Care

Background:

• Population aging and chronic diseases necessitate person-centered healthcare, particularly in palliative care (PC).
• Physiotherapy is crucial for symptom management in PC but faces inconsistent integration in Portugal due to lack of recognition and varied practices.
• Limited access to comfort-focused treatments and knowledge impacts patient care quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To understand the role of physiotherapy in Portuguese palliative care.
• To improve the integration of physiotherapy within palliative care teams.
• To enhance patient access to comfort-focused interventions.

Main Methods:

• Descriptive qualitative approach utilizing online focus groups (FG).
• Methodology guided by Krueger and Casey, adhering to COREQ checklist.
• 15 physiotherapists from mainland Portugal and islands participated across three FGs based on care setting.

Main Results:

• Physiotherapy plays an underrecognized but crucial role in PC, requiring full team integration over late referrals.
• Interventions include positioning, mobilization, pain/dyspnea relief, adapted exercises, massage, music therapy, and emotional support.
• Physiotherapy tools are personalized based on patient context, setting, and individual needs.

Conclusions:

• Physiotherapy is fundamental to PC, enhancing comfort, dignity, and quality of life.
• Strengthening the role of physiotherapists in multidisciplinary teams and through regulation is essential for guaranteed access.
• Variations in practice present a challenge for knowledge development and ensuring timely, equitable patient access to comfort care.