In:
Journal of Palliative Care, SAGE Publications, Vol. 38, No. 4 ( 2023-10), p. 481-489
Abstract:
Living the final days of life being cared for at home is a preference expressed by many. The data on the effectiveness of home-based end-of-life care (EoLC) intervention to improve the holistic conditions of terminally ill patients are scanty. This study sought to evaluate a psychosocial home-based EoLC intervention for terminally ill patients in Hong Kong. Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted, applying the Integrated Palliative Care Outcome Scale (IPOS) at 3 timepoints (service intake, 1-month, and 3-months after enrollment). A total of 485 eligible, consenting terminally ill people (mean age = 75.48, SD = 11.39) were enrolled, with 40.21% (n = 195) providing data at all 3 timepoints for this study. Results Decreasing symptom severity scores were observed for all IPOS psychosocial symptoms, and most physical symptoms, over the 3 timepoints. Improvements in depression and practical concerns had the highest omnibus time effects ( F 〉 31.92, P 〈 .01) and T 0 to T 2 paired comparison effects ( Cohen's d 〉 0.54, P 〈 .01). Physical symptoms of weakness/lack of energy, poor mobility, and poor appetite also showed significant improvements at T 1 and T 2 ( Cohen's d: 0.22-0.46, P 〈 .05). Bivariate regression analyses showed that improvements in anxiety, depression, and family anxiety were associated with improvements in physical symptoms of pain, shortness of breath, weakness/lack of energy, nausea, poor appetite, and poor mobility. Patients’ demographic and clinical characteristics were not associated with changes in symptoms. Conclusions The psychosocial home-based EoLC intervention effectively improved the psychosocial and physical status of terminally ill patients, irrespective of their clinical characteristics or demographics.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0825-8597
,
2369-5293
DOI:
10.1177/08258597231157346
Language:
English
Publisher:
SAGE Publications
Publication Date:
2023
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2809167-X
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