Analysis of Characteristics and Symptoms in Home-Based Hospice-Palliative Care Patients Registered at Local Public Health Centers.
10.14475/kjhpc.2015.18.4.329
- Author:
Soon Ock CHOI
1
;
Sook Nam KIM
Author Information
1. College of Nursing, Catholic University of Pusan, Busan, Korea. snkim@cup.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Brief Communication
- Keywords:
Home care services;
Hospice care;
Signs and symptoms
- MeSH:
Buddhism;
Busan;
Diagnosis;
Education;
Fatigue;
Home Care Services;
Hospice Care;
Humans;
Liver Neoplasms;
Lung Neoplasms;
Medical Assistance;
Public Health*;
Retrospective Studies;
Stomach Neoplasms
- From:Korean Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
2015;18(4):329-334
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: This study was aimed at analyzing the characteristics and symptoms in home-based hospice-palliative care (HBHPC) patients registered at local public health centers. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed; Data of 144 HBHPC patients registered at six public health centers in Pusan City were analyzed, including their initial visit records (registration cards, initial pain evaluation and symptom evaluation). RESULTS: The average age of the patients was 67.7 years old. Among all, 46.2% of the patient lived alone, and 65% had middle school education or lower. The most popular (36.3%) religion was Buddhism, and 47.5% received medical assistance from the government. The most frequent diagnosis was lung cancer followed by stomach cancer and liver cancer in that order. Of all, 48.9% were functionally too weak to lead a daily life, 39.6% were under cancer treatment when registered at the public health center, and 84.5% were aware of the fact that they have reached the terminal phase. Moreover, 83.6% complained about pain, and the pain level was moderate or severe in 36.5% of them. Besides pain, fatigue was the most complained symptom (84.7%), and 49.3% of them rated their fatigue as moderate or severe. CONCLUSION: Most of the HBHPC patients were socio-economically underprivileged and complained about moderate or worse pain and symptoms. Therefore, it appears necessary to develop an integrated strategy that is tailored for each patient reflecting their characteristics.
