Related Experiment Videos
[Home care in a palliative care unit]
J Sanz-Ortiz1, A Llamazares González
1Sección de Oncología Médica y Cuidados Paliativos, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Santander.
Medicina Clinica
|October 16, 1993
Summary
Palliative home care can increase home deaths by providing symptom relief and family support. This study analyzed oncologic patients receiving home care, finding it a viable option for end-of-life care.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Palliative Care
- Geriatrics
Context:
- Most deaths occur in hospitals, challenging the notion that home is inadequate for end-of-life care.
- Palliative care teams can provide specialized support for terminally ill patients at home.
Purpose:
- To analyze the effectiveness of home care for terminally ill oncologic patients.
- To evaluate symptom management, patient support, and place of death in home care settings.
Summary:
- A study followed 93 oncologic patients receiving home palliative care.
- Key factors analyzed included visit frequency, symptom severity (pain, dyspnea), terminal phase duration, and place of death.
- 59% of patients died at home, with a median survival of 10 months post-diagnosis.
Impact:
- Home care, when supported by adequate symptom alleviation, communication, and family support, increases the likelihood of in-home deaths.
- This research highlights the potential for improved quality of life and patient-centered end-of-life care at home.