Article Text
Abstract
Background Palliative care services in Thailand had been gradually developed. However, little is known about services provided.
Objectives This retrospective study was aimed to describe demographic and medical and health profiles of patients seen by a palliative care advanced practice nurse in Songkhla hospital.
Materials & Methods All patients who were referred to a palliative care advanced practice nurse at Songkhla hospital were identified and recruited. Palliative Care nursing records for these patients were reviewed and analysed for various demographic data, medical diagnosis and treatment information and patients' awareness of their health status and treatments plan.
Results A total of 98 records were deem suitable for analysis. 57.1% (56) were male. The vast majority of subjects was Buddhist (84.7%). A mean age was 63.6. Over half of the subjects had PPS in range 40 – 60(53.1%) and cancer diagnosis (58.2). Top three medication received during hospitalization included antibiotic drug (67.35%), sedative drugs (32.65%), and analgesic drugs (27.55%). Majority of samples received feeding by NG tube as current intervention. Dyspnea, fatigue, and pain were commonly reported as the most concerned symptom. 53.1% of patients were aware of their terminal diagnosis. An end of life decisions were discussed with 21.4% of patients and with 59.2% of family members. Discharge condition included clinically improved (41.8%), death (36.7%), refusal of further treatments (20.4%) and referral (1.1%).
Conclusions The findings provide a picture of patient characteristics and medical profiles. The results will be useful for health professional to develop palliative care services.