Self-assessment in cancer patients referred to palliative care: a study of feasibility and symptom epidemiology.

摘要: BACKGROUND Research in palliative care is considered difficult due to the poor health of patients. However, patient-provided data are essential for a thorough description patient symptomatology and evaluation care. METHODS The authors examined feasibility questionnaire-based study using European Organization Research Treatment Cancer quality-of-life instrument EORTC QLQ-C30, Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS), Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS) cancer patients who were receiving care. This report describes participating examines differences between three functions: inpatient, outpatient, home care. RESULTS Of 267 eligible referred department medicine, initial self-assessment questionnaires obtained from 176 (65.9%). The 91 nonparticipants older had lower Karnofsky Performance status (KPS) values than participants. Almost all suffered impaired role function physical high levels pain, fatigue, other symptoms. According HADS, 47% depression. Outpatients better scores inpatients function, cognitive depression, inactivity. CONCLUSIONS It possible carry out consecutive care, achieving rather complete these was very pronounced. able detect clinically important places service. 2002;94:512–20. © 2002 American Society.