Necesidades en cuidados paliativos de las enfermedades no ...

Methodology
This involved qualitative research carried out in two different geographical
areas, the Basque Country and the Canary Islands, from the perspective
of patients, families and of health and social care professionals.
A non-oncological pathology entitled to palliative care was defined as
a chronic disease in an advanced state, other than cancer, the development
of which leads to a fatal outcome. Persons of under 18 years of age were
excluded.
Economic analysis: YES NO Experts Opinion: YES NO
Results
Social and health professionals considered that care at the end of the
lives of persons with non-oncological pathologies should be based on the
same care as that received in the case of cancer. The main barriers identified
were the difficulties involved in diagnosing the final stage of life, the orientation
of the health system towards short-term pathologies, the lack of training
in palliative care and communication skills and the shortage of resources.
Carers pointed out that they were largely self-taught in their work and
that care impacts on their health. Continuous decision-making represents
one of the main burdens. They expressed a positive appraisal of the humane
treatment provided by professionals and through home help. The main barrier
identified was the difficulty encountered in accessing the different services.
Patients take advantage of the long period that elapses between the
appearance of the symptoms and the diagnosis in order to adapt to their illness.
They perceive their restricted autonomy as a burden for their families
and identify a lack of communication skills among medics and a lack of home
care resources. Respect is considered to be a determining factor of good care
and they appreciated especially the work of nursing staff.
Conclusions and Recommendations
These results are coherent with those obtained in previous research, but
they are not applicable to persons under 18 years of age.
In order to improve the palliative care of non-oncological diseases, it is
necessary to modify the definition of the final stage of life and to apply this
earlier, simultaneously with the curative therapy. Health services must be
reoriented towards the care of chronic diseases and towards an increase in
home help.
24 NECESIDADES EN CUIDADOS PALIATIVOS DE LAS ENFERMEDADES NO ONCOLÓGICAS