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Palliative home care--the Calicut experience
K Ajithakumari1, K Sureshkumar, M R Rajagopal
1Pain and Palliative Care Clinic, Medical College, Calicut.
Palliative Medicine
|March 31, 1998
Summary
A palliative care home service in India provided essential support to patients unable to visit the hospital. This home care model proved feasible and crucial for delivering palliative care in the region.
Area of Science:
- Palliative Care
- Home Healthcare
- Public Health
Background:
- A palliative care unit in Calicut, Kerala, established a home care service in June 1996.
- The service was initiated to extend palliative care to patients with limited mobility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the first year of operation of the palliative care home service.
- To assess the feasibility and impact of home-based palliative care delivery in India.
Main Methods:
- Conducted 340 home visits over the first year of operation.
- A multidisciplinary team comprising a doctor and trained volunteers provided care.
- Delivered symptom control, emotional support, and performed minor medical procedures during home visits.
Main Results:
- Successfully provided palliative care to patients at home, improving their ability to self-care and empowering families.
- Performed procedures such as nasogastric intubation, catheterization, wound dressing, and IV fluid therapy.
- Observed positive shifts in family and community attitudes towards patients, reducing stigma and fear.
Conclusions:
- Despite challenges like long distances and poor road conditions, the home care system is a viable and necessary component of palliative care delivery in India.
- The service demonstrated the potential to improve patient outcomes and psychosocial well-being through home-based interventions.