Analytical Study of Short- and Long-term Results of Home-based Palliative Care Services to Cancer Patients

AIMS AND OBJECT: Identification and selection of patients suffering from terminal stage in bed ridden condition upto village level and to determine the type of palliative care need. Also to asses the effectiveness of the palliative care provided at the bed side. MATERIALS: All registered patients under palliative care of Regional Cancer Centre, Agartala from 2014 April to 2016 March. METHODS: A retrospective study. Ten teams comprising of doctors, nurses, pharmacists & Social Workers were trained and engaged in this study for symptom assessment and pain relief of palliative patients. RESULTS: It is highly beneficial for the bed ridden & home bound cancer patients with improved quality of life due to regular home visits and medicine distribution by trained medical personnel. Short term benefits in symptom like pain, nausea & vomiting, retention of urine, constipation, bloating, fever etc. was dramatic after medication by palliative team. Patients also get relief as a result of repeated visit of palliative care team. CONCLUSION: Home based palliative care is beneficial for the bed ridden and home bound chronically ill patients including cancer patients. Bed ridden patients should be cared by palliative care team at least in every week.