Assessment of the Quality of Life Among Patients under Palliative Care

Background

Palliative care is a form of medical care that focuses on providing comfort and pain relief to patients with severe, incurable diseases. The World Health Organization defines quality of life as “an individual’s perception of their position in life in the context of culture and value systems in which they live and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards and concerns”. Quality of life and palliative medicine represent two aspects that should be inseparable in the comprehensive care and treatment of a patient at the end of life.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess quality of life among patients under palliative care using the WHOQOL-BREF and EQ-5D questionnaire.

Material and methods

The study included 100 consecutive patients admitted to palliative care between September 2018 and January 2019 being treated in a hospice and at home. A three-part survey process was used to collect data, including the following: Demographic Data Form; WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire; EQ-5D questionnaire.

Results

The WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire was analyzed for 4 domains. The study obtained the following results: Domain 1=40.2; Domain 2=39.94; Domain 3=36.1; Domain 4=37.7. According to the guidelines of the EQ-5D questionnaire, it was shown that 43% of patients are unable to walk or have serious problems with walking, 59% of patients are unable or have serious problems with self-care, 61% of patients are unable or have serious problems with ordinary activities, 52% of patients have severe or extreme pain/discomfort, 65% of patients are very anxious or depressed.

Conclusions

1. The study showed that patients covered by palliative care present low indicators of quality of life.

2. According to the data obtained, palliative care programs should pay special attention to the improvement of quality of life by taking an interdisciplinary approach to its resources.