B. Van den Eynden

Factors determining the place of palliative care and death of cancer patients

Abstract Factors determining the place of palliative care and death were studied by interviewing 40 patients using a semi-structured questionnaire. The 86 interviews assessed showed that both emotional and somatic factors played a part in the determination of whether patients were transferred and of their place of death. Emotional factors were mentioned in 41% as being of importance, and physical factors in 32%. Material and financial factors are probably underestimated owing to the methodology.

General practitioners caring for terminally ill patients resident in a hospice.

Abstract The goal of this study was to investigate why GPs have little or no involvement in the medical process relating to any of their patients when they are admitted to a palliative care unit (PCU) and what solutions they suggest. The study took the form of a descriptive pilot study based on a short questionnaire. It emerged that GPs felt their involvement was influenced by their job description, by practical factors (time investment, distance between practice and PCU, remuneration, referral) and personal issues (e.g. dealing with dying). It is concluded that GPs need education in palliative/supportive care and approved remuneration as well as knowledge about their task in the PCU.

Palliatieve zorg voor hemodialysepatiënten

De gemiddelde leeftijd van hemodialysepatiënten stijgt. Het dia - lyseteam krijgt steeds vaker met stervende patiënten te maken. De behoefte aan palliatieve zorg voor deze groep patiënten groeit.

Implementation and evaluation of oral care procedures in palliative care: the quality circle

Background: Terminally ill patients entering a hospice in Sint-Camillus, Antwerp often have oral problems as infections, halitosis, dry mouth, stomatitis, bleeding, etc. This has many consequences on the physical (pain while eating and drinking, taking medication), relational (pain while talking, bad breath impeding intimacy, etc.), psychological (shame, low self-esteem) and spiritual dimensions. This study has as its objectives:

1116 Palliative care is a matter of details: The importance of mouth care for the quality of life of a palliative patient cared for at home

Mouth care is important for the quality of life of a terminally-ill patient. Various problems can affect the integrity of the mouth and throat, causing difficulties for the patient in food intake and communication. The patients contact with the family and environment, as well as the general quality of life, is being impaired. This study sets forth the results on the effects of regular mouth care on the general condition of the mouth of 48 patients receiving palliative home care. The research is based on a qualitative/descriptive evaluation, but has also utilised a quantitative evaluation tool, which has been called the Oral Assessment Guide (OAG). A qualitative evaluation of the effects of regular mouth care on the oral cavity, showed that the patients general condition had clearly improved; moreover, using the quantitative tool of the OAG, we also observed a significant amelioration and again after four weeks. There seemed to be no significant difference between the initial OAG scores of patients arriving from the hospital compared to those of patients already at home. In conclusion, through this study evidence has been provided for the importance of mouth care. The OAG also serves as a useful auditing instrument. Using this tool, it is possible to make care often presumed to be trivial into personal care given in accordance with the special needs of the patients.