Publication:

Physical problems and needs of patients in palliative care center

Background Palliative care provides care in the relief of pain and other distressing symptoms by early identification and impeccable assessment. The problems of the people suffering from incurable diseases are multiple and multi-dimensional. Also, suffering caused by the same problem differs among individuals. To provide effective and quality palliative care services, the health care team needs quality information about what the patients really need and what are their priority problems from their own point of view. This study aims to find out the problems and needs of palliative care patients.

Methods A cross sectional study was done in ‘Jeevodaya Hospice care Centre’, located in North Chennai in Mathoor, Manali. 60 patients were included in the study. Questionnaire on problems and needs in palliative care was used to cover the physical problems. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 17.

Results The most common physical problems perceived by the study subjects were pain (100%), insomnia (93.3%), fatigue (88.3%) and loss of appetite (83.3%).

Conclusions This study indicates a need for more professional attention for palliative care patients. This does not imply dissatisfaction with present care. In fact, it is a desire for future care and room for improvement, not a judgment of the quality of care in the present or past.