Implementing the Hospice Shared Care Model to Support a Patient with Advanced Colon Cancer: A Case Report

BACKGROUND: Compared to Western countries, palliative and hospice care services are used less often in Asian countries. While both types have been implemented in mainland China in recent years, their utilization rates have not increased satisfactorily. Moreover, few hospitals in mainland China implement hospice care using the hospice shared care model. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated a case in which the hospice shared care model was implemented for one patient with advanced colon cancer who had received treatment at a general tertiary hospital in mainland China. METHODS: Critical points of care included pain symptom management, nutritional support, application of the SHARE model for disease notification, family meetings to assist medical decision-making, relaxation therapy to relieve depressive symptoms, provisions to address end-of-life wishes, and support for primary caregivers. RESULTS: The patient’s basic pain was controlled (Numeric Rating Scale, NRS2-3), and the score of the Depression Screening Scale (PHQ-9) decreased from 15 to 10 after intervention during hospitalization. In the end, the patient died comfortably and peacefully at home. CONCLUSION: The hospice shared care team helped the patient with her physical and psychological pain, met her end-of-life wishes, and provided support for the families.