A program for the home care of patients with a symptomatic malignant terminal disease

The goal of this program was to identify problems in patients with symptomatic malignant terminal disease relating to the improvement of their care at home. A program was developed consisting of guidelines and instructions which built on the previous training of the family members assuming their care. Patient needs assessment was performed to identify the major problems afflicting patients. Problems were described by nursing diagnoses using the classification system of altered functional patterns. Based on their problems, family members were trained so that they could offer patients more adequate care and attention in their homes. The effectiveness of the program was evaluated, as was its impact on the patients themselves and their families.