[Integration and utilization of physiotherapy in hospice and palliative care : A survey on clinical practice in Germany]. / Die Einbindung und Anwendung der Physiotherapie in der Hospiz- und Palliativversorgung : Ein Survey zur Praxis in Deutschland.

BACKGROUND: Palliative care is an approach that improves the quality of life of patients with incurable and progressive illnesses; therefore, in these situations physiotherapy can play an important role. AIM: This study was carried out to examine the integration and utilization of physiotherapy in palliative and hospice care services in Germany. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey including all palliative care units, specialized outpatient palliative care teams and hospices in Germany (n = 680) in 2013 was carried out. RESULTS: The response rate was 43.5 % (n = 296). Physiotherapy is predominantly applied in palliative care units (79 %) but rarely in hospices (38 %) and outpatient palliative care teams (30 %). A structured physiotherapeutic assessment is rarely carried out even on palliative care units (26 %). Positive effects of physiotherapy are especially described for symptoms, such as edema, pain, constipation and dyspnea. CONCLUSION: Despite its significant potential to relieve symptoms, physiotherapy is not systematically integrated into palliative care practice in Germany.