Assessment of quality of life, acceptance of illness, needs and expectations of patients under palliative home care – preliminary pilot study

Aim of the study
The aim of the study was to assess the quality of life and acceptance of patients’ disease in the advanced stage of incurable disease, under palliative home care.

Material and methods
The study was conducted among 80 adult patients staying in palliative home care services. The study used the standardized research tools EuroQol-5 Dimension, EQ-5D-3L, EORTC QLQ-C30, Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS) and the author’s questionnaire for the patient.

Results
Among the respondents, women constituted 46.3% and men 53.8%. The quality of life of the examined patients showed a significant, positive correlation with the obtained results in the following domains: physical functioning, performing social roles, emotional functioning, anxiety/depression, memory, concentration and fatigue. Acceptance of the disease negatively correlated with the quality of life in the following domains: physical, emotional and social functioning, fulfilling social roles and fatigue. The disease’s functioning is negatively influenced by symptoms of the disease, pain and coexisting diseases. The vast majority of respondents positively assessed the relations with the staff of the palliative care team.

Conclusions
Patients in the advanced stage of incurable disease, under palliative home care, assess the quality of life and acceptance of the disease at an average level. The family is the main source of support in the disease. Patients need the care of a doctor and a nurse. Knowing the preferences of the patients may facilitate the care of palliative care team members.