Incurable cancer patients satisfied with home care

The Nivel study was conducted among 72 patients with an incurable cancer, 87 general practitioners and 26 home nurses. With the help of questionnaires, patients indicated the aspects of care that they deem important.

Despite the improved detection and treatment of cancer, one-third of patients still die within five years of diagnosis. Many patients need intensive care before death. Care is usually provided at home by the general practitioner, sometimes in collaboration with community nurses. Support for physical and psychosocial problems is important for the cancer patient

Home care as needed

In addition to support, respect for patient autonomy and good information play a major role. These aspects are important for almost all patients. General practitioners and district nurses also attach great value to this – sometimes more than the patients themselves, reports Nivel. Patients are often satisfied with perceived autonomy and the provision of information.

Research shows that in the case of symptoms such as anxiety, anxiety or depression, about two-thirds of incurable cancer patients receive advice from the general practitioner or the doctor. nurse. If patients suffer from pain, this percentage is considerably higher.

Improvement Points

Patients who experience fatigue receive counseling in less than half of the cases. GPs and district nurses may pay more attention. According to Ge Donker, general epidemiologist and senior researcher at Nivel, it is difficult. "Fatigue is difficult to treat, however, general practitioners and nurses could discuss with patients how they can handle this complaint," says Donker.

A quarter of patients also report that they receive Too little information on the expected evolution of the disease, found.This may be because the course of the disease is difficult to predict.What possible solution might be that GPs discuss the possible scenarios with care and possible treatment options with the patient.For example, general practitioners could request unfinished business, needs and problems.This way, patients are better prepared.

The study has commissioned by the Stoffels-Hornstra Foundation The results have recently been published in BMC palliative care