Divya T
Department of Nursing, Cancer Institute, Chennai
Title: An Analysis of referral pattern of cancer clients to palliative care clinic – A retrospective report
Biography
Biography: Divya T
Abstract
Palliative care is an integral component in cancer care. Palliative care is holistic care. Correctable problems should be corrected at the right time rather than waiting for the terminal stage of the disease. Objectives: To evaluate the referral pattern followed in the tertiary cancer care Centre. Methods: A retrospective method of study was adopted to quantify the time gap between the first patient admission in cancer care and palliative care referral in-order to improve the quality of life of patients by the way of improving the referral system. Results: Out of 396 patients analyzed 209 (52.8%) were male and 187 (47.2%) were females. The mean age was 52.94 years (SD ± 14.007). Majority 59.3% (N=235) of patients fall under late adult category. Most of them were diagnosed with head and neck cancer 102 (25.8%), and reproductive system cancer 88 (22.2%). At follow up 204 (51.5%) were alive and 192 (48.5%) were dead. Among this Patients died within six months were 180 (45.5%) from the time of registration at pain and palliative care clinic. Many of the patients (51.5%) were referred to pain and palliative care clinic within one year from the time of their registration at hospital. Conclusion: Palliative care improves the quality of life of people with life-threatening or debilitating illness by providing relief from pain and other physical symptoms and care for psychosocial needs. To ensure the most effective care for patients, palliative care begins at the point of diagnosis, continues throughout treatment, and bereavement support is offered to the family after the patient’s death.