Prospective study of symptom control in 133 cases of palliative care inpatients in Shatin Hospital

Prospective study of symptom control in 133 cases of palliative care inpatients in Shatin Hospital

Lo RS; Ding A; Chung TK; Woo J

Palliative Medicine

1999

Female; Hospitalization; Male; Adult; Prospective Studies; Aged; quality of life; 80 and over; Human; Palliative Care; Neoplasms/th [Therapy]; Middle Age; Health Care; Quality Assurance; Hong Kong/ep [Epidemiology]; Neoplasms/ep [Epidemiology]

We report a prospective study assessing the prevalence and severity of physical and nonphysical symptoms, and the benefits from treatment and intervention, in advanced cancer patients presenting to a local palliative care unit in Hong Kong. Patients were assessed by a modified version of the support team assessment schedule (STAS). The study highlighted some symptoms which needed better control, and also reinforced the team morale by demonstrating aspects where there was definite improvement. In general, the STAS was found to be practicable and acceptable by our patients and staff. The most important benefit gained from the study was the successful dissemination of the concept of audit and quality assurance throughout the unit, which is essential for continuous improvement in the future.

1999

Article information provided for research and reference use only. PedPalASCNET does not hold any rights over the resource listed here. All rights are retained by the journal listed under publisher and/or the creator(s).

Journal Article

Backlog