Sunil Vijay Junagade1, Jayesh Naresh Chandra Panot2, Shailaja Milind Potdar3, Mohit Vijay Rojekar4, Hardika Raithatha5, Surangama Singh6, Siddhesh Padhye7
BACKGROUND Adequate symptom relief is a central aspect of medical care in all patients, especially those with incurable diseases. Treatment may help in symptomatic relief, but in some cases palliation is needed. Sometimes, as disease progresses, palliation becomes the paramount goal of care. We have conducted the study to look for the experience and scenario of patients towards PC.
The aim of the study is to clarify the number of palliative care services and to obtain information regarding patient’s view about palliative care, we have conducted the study.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A cross-sectional non-experimental survey design was used. We have recruited 288 patients. Participants were invited to participate via personal visits, telephonic and email invitations, hospital visits and personnel interview. They were given forms with predefined questionnaire.
RESULTS
Through this survey, we got the information regarding geographical location, experience, disease from which patient is suffering. Along with this, we also got the information about need of Palliative Care (PC) based on age group and organ system involved.
CONCLUSION
Present study tells us about the perspective of the patients towards palliative care. It gives an account of need of present situation of palliative care as well as expectations of patients from palliative care. From the present study, it is clear that geriatric population and cardiovascular disorders need palliative care most. In present study, some lacunae also exist. There is great scope for improvement in service and orientation towards palliative care. After all palliative care is meant for ‘adding life to years and not years to life.’
