End of Life Care Practices at a Tertiary Cancer Centre in India: An Observational Study.
Am J Hosp Palliat Care
; : 10499091241268585, 2024 Jul 28.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-39069375
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE:
To assess the End of life care (EOLC ) practices and the magnitude of futile care in a tertiary cancer center. To find out the barriers in provision of good EOLC in cancer patients.METHODS:
An observational study was done on 129 patients. Patients were enrolled using the palliative prognostic index (PPI) in the end of life stages. Socio-demographic and clinical details were recorded. Detailed counselling done by the palliative physician or the oncologist was recorded. The barriers in provision of care were recorded.RESULTS:
In this study initial experience of 129 patients were analyzed. PPI score was >6 (survival shorter than 3 weeks) in 85 (65.89%) ; 34 (26.36%) had PPI score between >4 to 6 (survival between 3 to 6 weeks); and 10 (7.75%) patients had PPI score less than equal to 4( survival more than 6 weeks).77 (59.69%) patients preferred home as their place for EOLC while 41(31.78%) preferred hospital, 7 (5.43%) preferred hospice while 4 (3.10%) opted ICU for their EOLC . The most common barrier associated was caregiver related in 34 case, followed by physician related in 14 cases and patients related in 3 cases, because of hope of being cured in hospital, social stigma, fear of worsening of symptoms at home, denial.CONCLUSION:
EOLC is the least studied part of patient care with various barriers. With proper communication and a good palliative care support, futile treatment can be avoided. With healthy communication we can empower family members and patients for a good EOLC.
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Am J Hosp Palliat Care
Asunto de la revista:
ENFERMAGEM
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
India
Pais de publicación:
Estados Unidos