EFFECTIVENESS OF PALLIATIVE HOME CARE ON CLINICAL, EMOTIONAL AND ECONOMIC WELL-BEING AT THE END OF LIFE: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction: Palliative home care is essential for terminally ill patients. This integrated approach is not limited to physical care, but also embraces the psychological, social and spiritual aspects of the patient. This model of care, focused on the patient and their family, aims to ensure quality health care during the advanced stage of a disease. In addition, by reducing the need for hospital admissions, palliative home care reduces costs, providing a sustainable alternative for the health system. Objective: To describe the knowledge related to the clinical, emotional and economic impact of palliative home care in cancer patients Materials and Methods: A narrative review was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Cinahl and Cochrane Library between December 2023 and March 2024, using the Population, Intervention, Outcome (PIO) methodology. The survey generated 551 articles, of which only 6 were relevant to the study. The selection of studies was guided by inclusion and exclusion criteria, with a quality assessment using the Dixon Woods instrument. Results: The studies included in the review have demonstrated a positive and significant impact of palliative home care on the well-being and quality of life of terminal cancer patients. Some of these studies have examined the clinical efficacy of such treatments in mitigating the patient's symptoms, with conflicting results: while some have shown positive efficacy, others have not found the same result. Regarding the cost-effectiveness, the analysis highlighted a lack of definitive evidence on the possible economic advantage of palliative home care compared to hospital care. Conclusions: Palliative home care emerges as a crucial element in the nursing care of the terminally ill cancer patient: it offers essential psychological support, enabling patients to feel understood and listened to with regard to their needs and requirements. However, there are some discrepancies, particularly with regard to economic effects and symptom control.

Keywords

• palliative home care
• terminal care
• quality of care
• quality of life
• cost-effectiveness analysis